Haybridge Nature Reserve Study centreOur extended visit today was to the Hay Bridge nature reserve situated in the Rusland Valley south of the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. 15 people had booked for the trip and meal. Unfortunately Joan was not able to join us and Lorna took her place. We were aware that the weather would be better than in West Yorkshire. It was cloudy throughout the day with occasional light showers. The visitor centre provided shelter and all the facilities that were needed. There was a museum and study centre to explore. We were given an introduction to the reserve by Keith Luxham, the resident warden, who had lived and worked in the area over a considerable number of years. The reserve is a mixture of woodland, some of which is coppiced, glades, lakes, ponds, grassland and moss.The reserve was originally established as a sanctuary for the red deer that roam the fells. The red deer were seen on the edge of the moss.
Beech Fern Keith described the gathering as a "maternity ward". Roe deer are also present. Our walk took us to a variety of habitats. We were introduced to a charcoal burner's hut - a wooden structure with a covering of moss, most cosy. A variety of species were seen and recorded. Alice produced a list of 102 flowers and 8 ferns. Of special note were fragrant orchid, heath spotted orchid, sundew, bog asphodel, water lilies (white and yellow) and fool's watercress. A fern stood out as "something different" and was later identified by Margaret as beech fern, a rarity. Bird species were limited and included treecreeper, spotted flycatcher, siskin, goldfinch and house martin. Pied flycatcher and spotted flycatcher breed on the reserve. The butterfly and moth count was disappointingly low. It included straw dot, common carpet, pearl-band grass veneer, chimney sweeper (on reflection the conditions were probably just right for the collection of moths in a trap). 
Grass SnakeButterfly species seen were gatekeeper, meadow brown, small tortoiseshell and green-veined white. Following our guided walk the group were free to roam, read or examine specimens. Several members of the group were shown a bevy of grassnakes and a slow worm which were lying dormant in a mound of hay. The group appeared to enjoy the visit inspite of the less favourable weather conditions. A meal was enjoyed by the group at the Gilpin Bridge Hotel on our way home. A big "thank you" to the drivers, Brian and Stuart, and also Margaret for organising our trip.Margaret