The Ruins And BridgeIt was a glorious day for our trip to Fountains Abbey, probably too hot for some. It was good to see Akram again and to have Glenford on his first trip out with us. Whilst the keen botanists set about their floral mission, the rest of the group were free to roam at will. Some strayed further than others with the high level path affording wide angle views over the abbey ruins. It was on this path that a common stinkhorn was spotted. A bolete was also noted today. Our bird recorders were absent but today was not really a trip with birds in mind. However, the Studley Royal grounds was where most birds were seen - lots of geese (greylag and canada), and black headed gulls. 
BoleteGrey wagtail was also recorded and a juvenile pheasant whose atypical plumage caused some initial confusion. Black tailed skimmer, common darter, common blue and blue tailed damselfy were present. The high temperatures had brought out plenty of butterflies including small tortoiseshell, peacock, green-veined white and large white. The cafe was a welcome oasis and refuge form the sun before we headed back to Bradford. Thanks to Joan and Alice for leading today's trip. Joan recorded a total of 155 plants.Sue
Comma
What the botanists did. Our main aim on this glorious summer day was to examine the flora of three unique botanical areas- the walls of the Abbey, the flora of the riverbank of the River Skell and the meadow in front of the Banqueting Hall. A good number started this venture however we gradually lost members as the day progressed, the heat of the day playing its part. There is an unusual plant community growing in the cracks and crevasses of the Abbey walls which have been contructed from locally quarried gritstone. One of the first species that caught our attention was the aptly named Pellitory-of-the-Wall. Other species included Harebell, Golden Rod, Hop Trefoil, Field Scabious, Knapweed, Ivy Leaved Toadflax, Marjaram and Wallflower. The ferns included Maidenhair Spleenwort, Wall Rue and Harts Tongue Fern. Our search for a speciality of the Abbey, Proliferous Pink ended in partial success. 
MarjoramThe dried up leaves of the flower were identified hanging from a wall. The other speciality Fine Leaved Sandwort was seen but not in good condition.There were an abundance of attractive plants on the banks of the River Skell including Mimulus, Knapweed, the Willowherbs and the Umbilifers. The final destination - the meadow - was reached by one of our group - Margaret, it was just too good to miss! It proved to be a carpet of deep red with Betony and Knapweed growing in profusion together with Eyebright and Lady's Bedstraw. A hunt was made for orchid species. There were good numbers of Twayblade however Common Spotted Orchid was not seen. A wealth of flowers was seen on the day of which a few have received a mention.
Margaret