Herb ParisThere was a good turnout of 22 for today's trip to Oxenber Wood, led by Margaret and Joan. On arrival in Austwick village, it was pleasantly warm in the beautiful sunshine. We set off on the road out of Austwick, before turning off onto a bridleway that led to Flascoe Bridge, a quaint clapper bridge. After a group photo here we continued along the bridleway. We followed uphill paths towards an area of limestone pavement and were buzzed by two big low-flying birds -RAF Tucanos - on the way. We stopped for lunch on the limestone pavement where we were serenaded by willow warblers and we heard a green woodpecker calling. We then headed for Oxenber Wood which actually comprises three woods - Oxenber, Wharfe and Feizor. It includes grassland, marsh communities and three areas of limestone pavement.The woodland is grazed,and could be considered wood-pasture.Both woodland and grassland species abound. (Taken from English Nature.) The route was very pretty, adorned with vast swathes of wood anemones, and numerous primroses, cowslips and false oxlips. Unlike our last trip to this area, visibility was excellent, and we had tremendous views of the surrounding countryside. On arrival in Feizor, most of us headed for the lovely tea room for refreshments. The sun gave way to cloud through the day, but it remained dry and the wind was only light. From Feizor we headed back along the bridleway to Austwick crossing back over the clapper bridge. We were delighted to find the herb paris in flower. 60 flowering plants/ferns were noted today including early purple orchids, and lady's smock. 28 birds were recorded including curlew, mistle thrush and song thrush. We had good views of a curlew running around in a field close to the bridleway. Another very pleasant day out with plenty to see.
Sue