CathedralToday's walk was of historical interest. We walked a path that in medieval times delineated the area within which people were immune from civil law but could be subject to a much harsher ecclesiastical law. From the Cathedral steps we followed a path alongside the River Skell which joined the River Ure. Spring has arrived and was evidenced by the flowers and birds seen on our route. Joan and Alice and their followers recorded a total of 100 species in flower and 3 ferns. Notable species seen included few-flowered leek, corn salad, rue-leaved saxifrage, toothwort, greater stitchwort, marsh marigold, wintercress, bush and common vetch and hogweed. The bird list of 32 species included recent arrivals, chiffchaff, blackcap, willow warbler, linnet as well as resident dipper, grey wagtail, song thrush and skylark.The birds were carrying nesting material. Some mallard chicks were seen. 4 butterfly species including orange tip, small tortoiseshell and green-veined white were recorded. 
Few Flowered Leek Lunch was taken near Hewick Bridge where the first sanctuary marker was located. Our path ran alongside fields and then down a green lane where the flowers, which included woodland species dog's mercury and lords and ladies (the sweet violets were lovely to see earlier), were thriving, enjoying a relatively sheltered position. Views of Ripon Cathedral were enjoyed before reaching Sharrow Cross the only original sanctuary cross where a short breather was taken before hitting the homeward track under the by-pass, past the clock tower and back to the Cathedral car park. 17 people enjoyed the 4.5 mile walk in cloudy but fine conditions. Margaret