WFV Tuesday 20th February West Tanfield and Nosterfield

A party of 10 set off for our February visit to West Tanfield and Nosterfield in North Yorkshire. As we travelled north the gloom of Leeds/Bradford dissipated and sunshine appeared. Conditions were extremely windy as we began our exploration of the sandy banks of the River Ure. I was a bit puzzled as to why our visit was planned for so early in the year, our previous visits have been in March or April when the spring flora as been superb. However the reason became apparent when we encountered a sheet of snow drops growing underneath the canopy of trees( 2 varieties were identified).  Another delight was the yellow star of Bethlehem  with its characteristic upright spade like leaf. Uncertain as to whether our mission would be successful, we were pleased to find a relative abundance of flowers scattered over the ground. Other flora seen in flower were sweet violet ( including the white variety), dogs mercury, wood anemone, primrose and lesser celandine. Julia caught a brief sighting of a kingfisher. The abundance and variety of leaves forming the ground cover was evidence of the wonderful flora yet to blossom. 

Following lunch we moved onto Nosterfield Quarry a bird reserve of national importance managed by the Lower Ure Conservation Trust. There was a significant amount of water that had spread over the landscape such that lakes usually divided by grassland now formed one large system. The water level was high favouring the ducks but not the waders. From the comfort of the hide with its sheepskin covered seats we identified tufted duck, goldeneye, wigeon, great crested grebe ( in winter plumage), little grebe, shelduck, shoveller, mallard and coot. On the far shore greylag and canada geese were grazing while just below the hide curlew were scouting for food. Flocks of lapwing and black headed gulls swirled around in the sky. 

The flora was limited to spurge laurel, coltsfoot, barren strawberry and cherry plum. The temperature had significantly dropped by late afternoon and we were pleased and satisfied to be on our homeward journey by around 4pm. 

Thanks go to our leaders and drivers. 

Margaret

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