The mini bus was full by the time it had picked up at The Branch Pub, Shipley; Cottingley, Bingley and 
Grayling On LimestoneKeighley. Sue was the outward-bound driver. She arrowed her way across country between the village of Whittington and Gaitbarrows, having already learned the route through her innovative usage of Googlemaps, thereby wisely avoiding Carnforth; though not an appalling stench from a farmer's field that permeated the entire vehicle for several minutes.
Joan was disconcerted by the unusual route until it was pointed out that Sue had travelled the route the night before in her 'flight simulator'!
It was another 'Scorchio' day, the hottest July since 2006 and looking like it might stay like this for sometime.
There was of course the customary toilet stop at Kirby Lonsdale. Permits for the site had been obtained and we were thus entitled to park in the small parking area, which fortunately was deserted as it would have been very awkward trying to park on the narrow roadside.
Dark Red HelleborineThe group set off slowly, on the Limestone Trail, and because there is so much botanical interest got slower and slower! Fortunately, there was plenty of shade for those faster members to shelter from the heat, whilst awaiting the arrival of the botanists. This is not a place to wander off on your own as it is full of mazy paths. A person could get easily lost.
We were soon ready for lunch and we all sat down on the nearest shaded rocks. We were delighted to find that we had chosen a spot where Dark Red Helleborines (the sites' speciality plant) were plentiful. Several Broad Leaved H's were also seen but these were not yet in flower. In total 125 plant/grasses and sedges were counted. Alice who had always wanted to see Dropwort was granted her wish. However, by the end of the day she had probably received a 'Dropwort Overdose'.
Butterflies were all around and species seen in order of abundance were: Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Speckled Wood, Large Skipper, Dark Green/High Brown Fritillaries, Northern Brown Argus, Grayling, Whites and a single Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary. The large fritillaries rarely settled for more than a few seconds and then soared quickly away. The only underwings seen were of Dark Green so we were not able to say that we had seen any High Browns.
Brown and Common Hawkers were wizzing over our heads and there were many damselflys: Common Blue, Blue-tailed and Large Red. Birds however, were virtually non-existent. Not therefore a place for birders to visit.
Virginia, a BEES volunteer from Espana, enthusiastically managed some rather decent photos of a NBA butterfly on her tiny mobile phone.
Nick drove the return leg and a further stop off at K L allowed most of the group to indulge in ice creams/lollies etc, desperately needed after such a hot day. Another very good day out and thanks to the two drivers for their efforts.
John Gavaghan