The CutThe themes for this walk were the geology of the Greenhow area and the birds of Gouthwaite reservoir in spring. There were numerous spring flowers seen; 38 in number plus 5 ferns. Andrew Sabin, the artist responsible for the design of the landscape sculpture 418m above sea level, described it as a "streetscape with spiralling walkways" affording panoramic views of the working limestone quarry and Nidderdale landscape. Was the design inspired by Roman architecture or the pyramids of Egypt? The cold and windy conditions meant the group did not linger. On our descent we observed lapwings displaying in the fields. We went onto complete a circuit around Toft Gate lime kiln where we enjoyed lunch. Lime-loving plants identified in flower were sweet cicely and whitlow grass. In the afternoon our party of 13 with the addition of Andrew and Lorna plus Scamp their 4-year-old dog visited Gouthwaite reservoir. We were able to identify numerous wildfowl and waders from the viewing area on the side of the road. A mud bank was exposed and provided a good feeding ground for the waders. Species seen (total for the day 30) included shelduck, mallard, teal, moorhen, tufted duck, great-crested grebe, canada goose, greylag goose, oystercatcher, blackheaded and greater black-backed gulls. I almost forgot to include sightings of swallows! We were on the lookout for raptors but none were seen.
LambsWe proceeded to the far end of the lake. Our walk down the road demonstrated that flowers had benefited from the warmth and sunshine of an early spring. Significant species included primrose, dog violet (no sweet violet) wood sorrel, greater stitchwort, thale cress, barren strawberry and moschatel in flower. We completed our walk in cloudy mostly dry conditions. The threatened snow descended later in the evening when we were comfortably installed back at home.Margaret