Froghopper15 participants set off for an extended day out in Derbyshire, meeting up with our leaders Peter and Josephine who enthusiastically shared their extensive knowledge of Miller's Dale. After parking up at Miller's Dale station, we set off on the Monsal Trail in the direction of Wyedale, examining the flora and fauna of this limestone landscape. Globe flowers.... common corn salad......ragwort - common or Oxford? So much to see. A colourful black and red bug, identified as a froghopper. We passed lofty lime kilns, which were part of the lime works that were demolished in 1971 and we ventured into the former quarry, where we stopped for lunch. An unidentified bird of prey circled overhead and butterflies were much in evidence in the sunny weather that we were enjoying. 7 butterflies were recorded today including brimstone, dingy skipper and orange tip. After refreshments we continued as far as the river bridge where an adventure group were abseiling over the side. Here we turned back and retraced our steps to the station before continuing along the Wye Valley. From the viaduct, the birding highlight of the day was the sighting of a spotted flycatcher. 31 birds were recorded today including blackcap, whitethroat and dipper. We continued along the Monsal Trail for about a mile, where a small group broke off and climbed the steep limestone hillside up to Priestcliffe Lees where we searched the lead spoil heaps left from former lead mining activity. We were unable to locate moonwort, but we did see mountain pansies, milkwort and leadwort (common sandwort). 
LeadwortAfter descending we continued down to the river and crossed over to follow the Monsal Trail back to our start point. The trail kept close to the river and was very picturesque. The water was very clear, and brown and rainbow trout could be clearly seen. There was a lovely display of early purple orchids. Over 100 flowering plants/ferns were recorded including narrow-leaved bittercress, woodruff, water avens and garden arabis. From the station, we went on to the Waterloo Hotel,Taddington, where Josephine joined with the BEES participants for a lovely meal before we set off home.
Sue