WFV, Sprotbrough Flash, 8th July 2014
Margaret
Margaret
A party of 11 led by Donald headed off to this limestone hillside about 2 miles north of Horton-in-Ribblesdale, where we stopped for a toilet break. Unlike the rained-off Wimbledon of the day before we again had a warm, dry day and plenty of sunshine.
This lovely weather brought out the butterflies/moths in good numbers; lots of Common Blues, Chimney Sweepers, Grass moths galore, also Small Heath, Northern Brown Argus, Meadow Brown and a single Dark Green Fritillary. Several Tree Pipits were seen singing.
The main objective, however, was to see the special plants which included Alpine Bistort (only known from 4 sites in VC64), Limestone Bedstraw, Lesser Meadow Rue, Heath Fragrant Orchid and Common Spotted Orchid. It did seem that we were going to be unlucky with our main target; Frog Orchid. We had been on site about 2 hours and despite lots of searching I couldn’t find any. Fortunately; Amanda was with us this trip and she wasn’t going to be denied and towards the end of our stay the cry went up; FROG ORCHID! Several examples were found near to the path, up on the ridge, closest to the gate where we had entered. Well done Amanda. Also to Joan who found the one in best condition and was able to identify Limestone Bedstraw.
Ribblehead Quarry, afternoon of the 1st July After Brae we then travelled to this disused quarry. Menacing dark clouds arrived during our visit but luckily we were spared.
Amanda discovered a huge colony of Common Twayblades on a flat hill immediately to the right of the gate. Other orchids present were; Common Spotted and Northern Marsh and numerous hybrids, presumably Common Spotted/Marsh. Margaret found the small colony of Marsh Helleborine though these were not yet in flower. A total of 100 plants were recorded at both of these sites.
Right at the death I came across a Latticed Heath moth and managed to take its picture. A few spots of rain hit the front of the mini-bus as we set off back. Our driver was Robert.
John Gavaghan
Margaret
Yet again we had some minibus troubles at the start of the day so arrival at Buckden was slightly later than planned. We had a lunch date at the farm at Cray so Joan decided to only make a mental note of the plants to speed up our progress up Buckden Rake. Once at home her list amounted to 168 species, 129 of which were in flower.This not only indicates the floral pleasures of the day but Joan's mental agility to recall so many!
Some of the most numerous species we saw included Common Rock Rose, Pignut and Yellow Rattle. In the farmyard at Cray there was a wet flush with a lovely display of Northern Marsh Orchid and Ragged Robin, and descending the gill we saw our first Common Spotted Orchids of the day. The most inconspicuous species we recorded was Marsh Arrowgrass, and we were pleased to see the beautiful Melancholy Thistle opening on the river side as we neared the end of the walk.
The most numerous birds were probably Chaffinch and the Pied and Grey wagtails. We saw fledging Redstart on the Rake, and caught a glimpse of a Pied Flycatcher near Hubberholme. Other species included Greater Spotted Woodpecker in the Buckden car park, Willow Warbler and Blackcap, and plenty of Swallows and House Martins.
We had a couple of scheduled stops on route. First a glimpse at the dry stone wall that the BEES Friday volunteers have been repairing over several weekend residentials (we didn't have time to examine them closely, but you can look at the photos in the Buckden residential galleries).
Then, once safely over the stepping stones, we had our lunch in the farmyard at Cray, listening to Chris Akrigg who has been the tenant farmer here for over 30 years. His priorities for farming are 1) environment 2) sheep 3) cattle. 80% of the farm is governed by a Higher Level Stewardship agreement with Natural England, a bespoke management plan for this farm.
Of note are the good numbers of breeding Redshank, Lapwing and Oystercatchers. This time of year sounds the worst for the sheep, with risks of disease. Chris explained that the low grazing density results in higher numbers of triplet lambs. We met some of them that been hand reared. Most of the sheep are Swaledales but they do have a few Blue Faced Leicesters. These produce a lovely knitting wool, but I realise now why it is expensive; Chris explained that once born their only ambition is to die! These sheep are valley dwellers rather suited to being left on the moor tops.
Look at the photos from today here.
Julia
Sue
Margaret
Margaret
Footnotes: St George's Mushroom was first seen by June in Leyburn Old Glebe. It was later seen on our walk and consumed by Robert - no ill effects reported at least not yet! Number of Floral Species seen: Glebe field 50, West Witton 90. Numbers of birds recorded:- 15 A Carpet Moth was seen.
Margaret
Sue
Stuart
P.S. Those of you who look at Sue's super photos on the gallery will note that she has now posted 2001 images on this website. Although there are a few photos that have been taken by lesser beings, 99% of them are Sue's own work and they give a real insight into the activities of the group. Well done Sue, we are most grateful for your efforts.