Today's walk involved following one of the Ilkley Tree Trail guides "Darwin Gardens and the Moor" produced by Sue and Neil Stevens with support from Wharfedale Naturalists ( this is an excellent publication and can be picked up for free from the Grove bookshop or Ilkley visitor centre). We were a party of eleven led by Alice who had completed extensive research and provided the group with additional information with regard to tree identification and uses.
The weather was cloudy, mild, with the occasional shower. A superb rainbow was seen from our lunch spot at White Wells.
The trail started at the Darwin Gardens ( Wells House is located a short distance away. It hosted Charles Darwin at the time Origin of Species was published). It involved the ascent of Ilkley Moor to White Wells ( no tea room which was a disappointment for Angela) and descent skirting the Upper Tarn, a circuit of the Lower Tarn and return to the Gardens car park.
Following the guide we were able to look at the features of Beech, Box, Hazel, Horse Chestnut, Sycamore, Field Maple, Guelder Rose, Common Osier, and Golden Willow in the immediate area of the Gardens before taking the upward path (there was discussion about the vandalism of the iconic Sycamore along Hadrian's Wall and what should subsequently happen). The moor is dotted with native self seeded species of Hawthorn, Elder, Birch, Downey Birch, Rowan, Goat Willow and Ash which stand out above the Moors vegetation cover of Bracken and Heather. Some magnificent views looking towards Middleton Hall, Middleton Wood and Beamsley Beacon were enjoyed from our lunch stop.
We descended with care to the Upper Tarn which was surrounded with Grey Willow, Silver Birch and Yew. A Migrant Hawker dragonfly was seen patrolling the Tarn. The following descent was on a newly constructed path with steep steps ( a helping hand was much appreciated by myself). The party progressed to complete the circuit of the Lower Tarn (on flat ground) observing features of Norway Maple, (discussion about the term samaras = winged fruit), Small Leaved Lime, English Oak, Turkey Oak and Paperbark Birch. Several Ash trees that had sadly succumbed to Ash Die back disease surrounded the Tarn.
On the path returning to the car park we noted several non native shrubs including Rhododendron, but more especially Prickly Heath with its bright pink berries. Our final tree was number 35, Balm of Gilead another non native with sticky, sweet smelling buds.
Fungi seen and recorded by John included Meadow Waxcap, Red Cracking Bolete, Brown Roll Rim, Peppery Bolete and Stinking Dapperling ( Fly Agaric also seen).
Butterflies on the wing around the Gardens were Red Admiral and Comma.
Birdlife seen was limited to a Jay seen and heard around the Lower Tarn also Mallard and Gulls on the Tarn.
This was a lovely day out in Bradford (the posh bit). Thanks go to Alice for leading us on this interesting walk.
Margaret