Trio of Herons15 of us gathered on a fine clear day in February to enjoy our exploration of the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. There have been visible improvements since our last visit in March 2009. We understood that considerable work had been undertaken by YSP in the woodland surrounding the Upper Lake. Trees have been felled and the area cleared to provide vistas of the lake from the historic buildings such as the Greek Temple. Furthermore the understorey had been exposed and leaves of plants not yet in flower were in evidence ie primrose and foxglove. The historic buildings such as the Boat House and Shell Grotto had benefited from restoration work. The excellent light conditions meant that we enjoyed good views of herons guarding their nests while others were seen flying to and fro from the heronry carrying nesting material. On the lake were a raft of tufted ducks and a flotilla of goosanders. A buzzard was seen and heard in the sky. Joan's party proceeded to walk along the shore of the Lower Lake observing a second heronry. Amongst the birds seen in the woodland area were goldcrest, tree creeper, nuthatch and a variety of tits. On the lake were teal, pochard and a raft of gulls. Kingfisher was also seen. There were early signs of spring in the floral world. The snowdrops seen at the entrance of the Upper Lake were attractive however the white butterbur was absent from its site near the Well. 5 floral species were identified in flower but alas no celandine. Considerable work was under way at the head of the Lower Lake. The plan is to divert the River Dearne taking it underground to enable the weir to be reconstructed. On return to the centre, tea was taken and the exhibitions and shop visited. It was an enjoyable day out for all the members of the group, some of whom had followed a different route around the park enjoying the sculptures as well as the wildlife. Best of all our boots were not encased in mud !
Margaret