The MossesA full mini-bus driven by Stuart headed to this Natural England site in Southern Cumbria. As is the norm for these outings the sky was lovely; a mix of high clouds, blue skies and a cool gentle breeze.
On arrival we met Rob Pettley-Jones the site manager for this and several other sites including Gaitbarrows NNR. He had run a moth trap the night before and he had kindly waited for our arrival with a colourful selection of the best macro moths. This included; Poplar Hawk-moth, Iron Prominent, Common White Wave, Pale Tussock, Mottled Beauty, Ingrailed Clay, Flame Shoulder, Clouded-bordered Brindle, Map-winged Swift, Angle Shades, Coronet, Buff Ermine, Beautiful Golden Y, True Lover's Knot, Green Carpet and Peppered Moth, The favourite was initially Green Arches until he later produced Lesser Swallow Prominent and then the jury was split! So thanks must go to Margaret who had arranged this.
Green ArchesWe had our lunch sitting on logs and various items of equipment, close to the manager's office. I then came across an interesting carpet moth that Rob was able to ID as Devon. A melanic Common Lutestring moth was also present, presumably both escapees from the evening's catch. After that we began the 0.7 mile 'Bog Trail' which was mostly on a superb boardwalk. From here we were able to spot Four-spotted Chaser dragonflies, Large Red and blue damsels, a female Brimstone (Alder and Purging Buckthorn were seen on site) and several Large Heath butterflies around the Cotton grass. Unfortunately none of the party was able to see the latter at close quarters and yours truly therefore failed to get any photos of the elusive creatures!
At this juncture the group soon began to split into various factions according to their particular interests with the botanists way behind the rest. The walk led straight onto The Woodland Trail (1.5 miles of limestone woods, part of which borders the Leven estuary). Many Chimney Sweeper moths were about as their plant Pignut was abundant. Also seen were Cardinal and Dung beetles, Brown Silver-lines moths and several more carpets including a very attractive localised pale variety of the Green Carpet. Janet demonstrated that she is not to be trusted when handling moths in containers!
>
Dark Green Fritillary On Common ValerianA single Dark-green Fritillary was spotted by Martin. It flew off as soon as I arrived on the scene!
Other plants seen included the Sundew, Yellow Flag, Bugle, Cross-leaved Heath, Yellow Pimpernell, Aquilegia and the nationally rare Large Yellow Sedge. The best bird seen were Hobbies over the bog later in the afternoon. A few of the group walked down to the estuary to sit and admire the views.
We assembled back at the bus at 17:30 and left for our repast at The Gilpin Bridge, which is at the start of the A5074. Good beers and a good meal was a splendid end to a great day out. Julia kindly took over from Stuart for the drive back. Apart from a diversion onto the A59 via Gisburn due to a closure at Gargrave the journey back went very smoothly. It had been a long but delightful day.
John Gavaghan