ThixendaleThe Yorkshire Wolds - clear blue skies, brooding clouds, steep dry valleys to climb and descend, flat tops, fields of rape corn and barley, sheep grazing - these were some of the features of this quintessentially English chalk landscape. This landscape has been made famous by Bradford's internationally-renowned artist - David Hockney. Our group had the treat of completing a 4.5 mile walk up hill and down dale, in part following the Wolds Way with the tiny village of Thixendale as our base. We were a party of 20 ably led by Alice and Ann who had completed several recces in advance.The weather kept fine with clouds and some sunshine but no rain. 
Common Blue ButterflyThe flora had a different feel - arable plants combining with grassland species and wayside plants. They included common poppy, cut-leaved cranesbill, chickory, hairy rockcress, musk thistle, rock rose, pignut and dame's violet. Over 100 species were recorded. Swallows, swifts and house martins were seen swooping over the village houses. Skylarks, linnet, yellow hammer and goldfinch were heard and seen in the fields. A kestrel was observed crossing the landscape circling above and a curlew bathed in a pond. The butterflies seen were orange tip, common blue, small heath and green-veined white. Some group members caught sight of a hare bounding across a field. A tired, almost semi-exhausted but well-satisfied group completed the walk at 4.30pm ready to travel by minibus and car back to Bradford. An excellent day out. Margaret