HelleboreFourteen were on today's trip to Harrogate led by Veronica. Although the sun was shining for much of the day, Spring flowering plants are making a late appearance this year, so prior to exploring the Valley Gardens we headed to Birk Crag. Here, and at various strategic points throughout the day, Veronica imparted considerable information about the places we were visiting. We headed down into the woodland and walked alongside the little beck. A buzzard was spotted overhead along with a red kite. After crossing the bridge over the beck the path took us towards the Harrogate Arms. Here we were greeted by donkeys, owls (caged) and harris hawks that squawked loudly from the roof. (The Harrogate Arms houses a falconry centre.)
We then made our way through the Pinewoods, where we saw nuthatches and bullfinches on some bird feeders. There were good footpaths and a telescope for public use afforded panoramic views of the area to the north. The major tree species in these woodlands is the Scots pine.
Once in the Valley Gardens, we had lunch in the open. The sun had disappeared and we did get quite chilled whilst sat on the park benches, but we soon warmed up again once we got moving. We looked at the various buildings in the park as well as the plants. Some of the group also made a brief visit to the Pump Room and one couple were brave enough to sample the waters!. Only 6 plants (wild) were recorded in flower, but it was lovely to see the crocuses and snowdrops. The daffodils were just starting to open up. Veronica enthused about various trees including the female monkey puzzle tree, the very old laburnum and also the rare honey locust tree. The spikes on the honey locust tree were quite striking! Veronica pointed out her favourite tree - a Persian ironwood. We ambled back through the Pinewoods to the car park, having enjoyed another pleasant day out......and on the way home on the bus we saw a curlew and a deer running through a field - lovely.
Sue