Greater StitchwortWhilst Nick Clegg frantically negotiated in London to form the new Government we were miles away enjoying a leisurely stroll through Leathley lanes which had been very carefully organised and was very competently led by Marilyn Barber.
We started our walk in the HAMLET of Leathley where we parked our minibus next to a car with the registration YOR 1K and after a pre-walk comfort break set off over quiet lanes and fields to Riffa Wood. The weather forecast was for bright intervals and showers and whilst we had driven from Bradford in bright weather we soon encountered a steady shower. This soon passed and the rest of the day was spent in a mixture of the forecast bright intervals with the odd very light shower.
We enjoyed the lovely display of bluebells in Riffa Wood and continued onwards to Stainburn where we stopped for lunch in the churchyard of St Mary's, a delightful little Norman church in the care of the Churches Conservation Trust. 
Through The Bluebells We continued over little-used paths to Lindley, all the time enjoying the views over the Wharfe valley towards Otley Chevin, before returning to Leathley via an old mill goit beside the River Washburn. Movement amongst the trees betrayed the presence of a deer, which scampered off as soon as it was spotted.
A total of 86 flowering plants were recorded plus a fruiting wych elm; 32 birds including red kite, curlew, linnet, sparrowhawk, blackcap and chiffchaff.Small copper and green veined-white butterflies were sighted..
A final Marilyn-arranged restroom facility ensured a comfortable return home for the group of 16 members who enjoyed another splendid BEES day out.
Stuart