Welcome to the Dell Here in the Dell you can enjoy a large expanse of trees, wetland, meadows and parkland. This is a haven for wildlife; a carefully-managed mix of environments where a wide range of animal and plant life is encouraged and supported. For the benefit of the local community and visitors alike, it's a park which will grow and change season after season to attract more living things and give pleasure all year round. Fruits of the Forest The trees here provide food, shelter and nesting habitats for a wide range of birds, insects and small mammals. Hedges have been allowed to grow into mature trees and new species have been planted. A copse has been created at the northern end of the Dell and an orchard at the southern end. Species like hawthorn produce flowers in the spring then berries in the later summer months, both of which are important food sources for wildlife. Human beings can make tasty things from the other flowering and fruiting trees here - crab apples can be used to make jam while the fruit of the blackthorn can be turned into sloe gin. And, of course, the rich greens of spring and summer, the reds, yellows and golds of autumn and the leafless shapes of winter always provide something new to delight the eye. Wildflowers, Mini Beasts and Birds Meadow areas have been re-seeded with a mix of grass and native wildflowers, and some areas are left to grow during spring and summer - this provides important nectar and pollen sources for bees and butterflies. Look out for small skipper, speckled wood, peacock, small tortoiseshell, large, small and green veined white, red admiral and small copper - just some of the butterflies which have been seen here. The insects, in turn, pollinate the flowers which then produce seeds that fall to the ground and grow the following year. The same thing happens to grasses and this process improves the variety of species here year after year. By providing a habitat for insects we also encourage birds and animals to feed on the seeds and mini beasts living in the meadow areas. Swallows and house martins can be seen regularly during the spring and summer, swooping over the tall grass and ponds as they hunt for flying insects. House sparrows feed on grass seeds during the summer. Other birds to look out for include blackbird, swallow, swift, grey wagtail, blue tit, chaffinch, greenfinch, dunnock and goldfinch. Populating the Ponds The beck runs along the length of the Dell and feeds into two ponds. These aquatic habitats provide homes and breeding areas for many insects and amphibians such as dragonflies, water boatmen, pond skaters, frogs and toads. The ponds have been planted with wetland species to increase the habitat variety and attract even more pond life. A Little Learning The Dell is a fantastic place to bring children and students from schools and colleges. They love to leave the classroom to learn about the natural world in real life - experiencing all the sights, sounds, tastes and smells of the countryside - and to see how different plants and animals interact. Why not ask if your college or school can visit the Dell? You are here Paths Boardwalk Trees Key • Please put your litter in the bins provided • Please clean up after your dog • Please don’t light fires • Please respect the Dell, residents and other park users • To report any damage or make any comments please contact Scarborough Borough Council on 01723 232323 A Call to Action Volunteering is an important part of maintaining the many habitats of the Dell. Some people enjoy it just for its own sake; others gain valuable experience in conservation management. All make a valuable contribution to the site’s wildlife, safety and attractiveness. If you would like to be a volunteer please contact Scarborough Borough Council Parks and Countryside Services on 01723 232323. Ponds Pond dipping platform Copse Stone circle & Totem pole Speckled wood butterflies on bramble A female blackbird feeding on the berries of hawthorn - a valuable source of food for wildlife in the late summer and winter months House martin Swallows Keep an eye open for the meadow species above. Butterflies left to right, red admiral, meadow brown and small copper. Flowers left to right, ox-eye daisy, yellow rattle and greater knapweed. In the spring the flowers of hawthorn are an important food source for wildlife As the ponds mature, sightings of dragonflies like this attractive male Common Darter will increase Orchard Beck Bin Westway Bin Bin Wildflower area Wildflower area Wildflower area Bin N Ove r d a l e M e r r y D a l e G o u l d i n g s C l o s e The ponds provide a home to the common frog Produced by Adrian Bury Associates 01937 590541 The water boatman is a voracious predator of other aquatic creatures and insects. It swims upside down using fringed hind legs as paddles.