The Safe Way Back To The Buswhat a surprising place! Some of the quotes from our group:
"It puts a new dimension on Tuesdays" - Joan
"It's muddy" - Lorna
"Lorna's leap" - John
"If we can do that we can do anything" - Janet
"A day full of twists and turns" - Margaret
"All's well that ends well" - Joan
St George's MushroomWhat have we been upto? We walked in the delightful valley of Sunnydale near East Morton on a cold day in May. The countryside was superb with over 42 flower species identified as well as 32 birds (considering our regular bird recorders weren't present this was an excellent result). However there were one or two obstacles to overcome. The water level was high and produced scenic waterfalls. It also made beck crossing treacherous and difficult. Lorna had the unfortunate experience of slipping on a stone when crossing a beck and getting a soaking which she bravely dismissed. 
Pink BluebellsOur return to the minibus was thwarted when we encountered a swollen beck. Martin "the new boy" led us back having found an alternative route. The cattle had also left us the challenge of very muddy paths to negotiate. There was a further twist to the tale when on arriving at East Riddlesden Hall, Maddy announced that she thought she had left her bag containing her most important wordly possessions on our path. (She later remembered that she had transferred these items into her pockets!). Thankfully the day ended with a cuppa in the tea room of East Riddlesden Hall, where we had spent the remainder of the afternoon exploring the gardens, including herb garden, house and riverside walk. 13 peope enjoyed our trip today.
There was a wealth of plants to be seen en route. Violets were still in flower as well as woodland species such as wood sorrel. Marsh marigold shone through the wetland area. The patches of giant and field horsetail were extensive.The variety of bird life was impressive ranging from the little wren (seen on the grass at E Riddlesden Hall) to the red kite seen gliding over the moors. Species seen included several mistle thrush, dipper and bullfinch. 
East Riddlesden HallChiffchaff and willow warbler had arrived from Africa and were heard as were the distinctive calls of oystercatcher and curlew which were returning to the moors from our estuaries. A toad was seen grabbling with the muddy conditions. An insight into the industrial archaeology of the area was offered by Veronica. This was an enjoyable day out in all respects. It was great to think we could see such varied wildlife a short distance from "home". Thanks go to Joan and Janet.
Margaret