The weather has been a major consideration when planning a Bees trip over the winter months. March and April have been horrendous months with high rainfall, strong winds and low temperatures. However the good news was that Tuesday 16th was fine with some sunshine, no winds and varying temperatures.
This was a visit when 8 of us enjoyed a walk enabling us to experience the delight of spring flora, flowering shrubs, trees in leaf, bird song and sightings as well as refreshing our memories of previous visits.
After a very slow start we meandered in the direction of the Upper Lake taking in the sculptures that lined the route. They were challenging to our intellect and appreciation. On our descent we examined a grassy slope for Slender Speedwell, Common Dog Violet and Primrose. Goldilocks Buttercup was seen on the side of the gravel path. We passed through a wonderful arboretum .
The woodland surrounding the Upper Lake provided an abundance of spring flowers, more especially in the glades that had been cleared so light was able to penetrate. The spring flowers identified in flower included Bluebells, Wild Garlic, Dogs Mercury, Yellow Archangel, Red Campion, Herb Robert, Greater Stitchwort, Wood Forget-me-not also Bitter Vetchling. Two species of butterfly were seen, male and female Orange Tip and Peacock. There was some disappointment when we came to a sign "no entry" across a bridge and as a result we were unable to complete the circuit as planned. We learnt later that there was an extensive woodland management programme being conducted to remove contaminated Rhododendron species, all products were burnt on site or recycled as wood chip for the site.
The second part of the day involved viewing the heronry occupying an island on the Lower Lake from Cascade Bridge also the lake side. There were a good number of Herons either sitting upright on nests or tree branches some taking off in flight. We had earlier seen a Little Egret flying through trees surrounding the Upper Lake. Two Highland were grazing by the shore line. We walked a short distance along the shoreline taking in the views and unusual sculptures before splitting up into two parties to return to the Visitor Centre Some of the birds seen during the day were Robin, Song Thrush, Canada and Greylag Geese, Great crested Grebe, Jackdaw and nesting Crows. The group managed to fit in a cuppa before departing for our journey back to Bradford around 4pm.Thanks to our leaders and drivers for enabling us to enjoy a lovely spring outing, also Alice, who has complied a list of flowering plants seen.
I particularly enjoyed seeing the Bird Cherry that lined the motorway.
Margaret