Cotton GrassHolidays and the degree of difficulty of today’s walk kept the attendance in single figures but those who did attend enjoyed a rewarding trek over moorland and woodland around Ogden Water which was led by Alice and Brian. We headed north west out of the car park following the line of the impressive clough (unnamed on the OS map) which leads onto Ovenden moor. Here we were treated to a wonderful display of cotton grass (mainly hare’s tail, but with patches of common) which covered large parts of the moor. 
Meeting On The MoorsWe lunched on the moor listening to the songs of skylark, meadow pipit and curlew and the flapping of the windmills on the nearby Ogden wind farm whilst enjoying the extensive views and the sight of a kestrel hunting. We continued on the moor before heading back along the edge of woodland and then through the woods back to Ogden Water. Alice’s developing interest in lichens has given the group a new dimension and she was able to point out the match-like Cladonia floerkeana with its showy scarlet spore-producing bodies. 
Dryad's SaddleOnce in the woods we found swathes and swathes of pink purslane which give a spectacular display at this time of year. There were few species on the wing, both bird and butterfly counts being low but Joan managed to record 111 plants in flower and 9 ferns. Whilst recceing the walk, Alice and Brian had encountered both visitor centre and toilets closed due to the lack of volunteers (actually open on the day!) and so had made arrangements for us to be accomodated at the delightful Boggart Bridge Tea Rooms where the party was treated to tea and cakes by a generous benefactor, Martin. A lovely day out in fine weather – thanks to Alice, Brian and of course, Martin.
Stuart