High Brown FritillaryA party of 14 set out on the Bees trip to Silverdale and the Gait Barrows NNR. We were uncertain as to what the weather would have in store for us, experiencing a mix of dark clouds and sunshine on the journey. However conditions turned out to be fine if not sunny and much to our relief several butterfly species were seen on the wing. It was a prolific day for wildlife. We started on the limestone trail and left it after lunch to explore the moonscape limestone pavement, returning to the trail and then onward through pasture and hay meadows to the board walk and fen of Hawes Water. We returned along the same route taking up again with the limestone trail for our return to the bus. We had a brief tea /bird watching stop at our favourite RSPB reserve Leighton Moss.
Ploughman's SpikenardIn the woodland we saw : herb paris, hemp agrimony as well as agrimony, St John's wort, spring sandwort, creeping cinquefoil, rock rose, betony, golden rod, enchanters nightshade, dewberry, travellers joy, spindle, harts tongue and hard shield fern, mountain melick to name but a few. On the limestone pavement growing in the grykes were: wall rue, maidenhair spleenwort, ploughmans spikenard, lily of the valley, herb robert, angular solomans seal and a splendid broad leaved helleborine but alas no dark red helleborine or bloody cranesbill! In the meadows of Hawes Water we saw numerous spikes of fragrant orchid.
The birds seen were limited to 13 species and include a range of tits at Gait Barrows and a marsh harrier at Leighton Moss. Mammals seen included wood mouse, frog and a tiny lizard seen on the board walk.
Butterfly species were numerous although it was not sunny however highbrown fritillary, meadow brown, peacock, comma, red admiral, small copper, speckled wood and ringlet were seen.
For those unfamiliar with Gait Barrows the visit was a sheer delight for those that had visited before it was a treat to be reacquainted with the site. A nice cup of tea,cake or sponge and custard rounded off another enjoyable outing. Thanks to all who helped in making it an enjoyable day out.
Margaret