Where Am I?Joan and Marilyn led an entourage of 15 for today's trip to Ashberry Pasture and Rievaulx Terraces. It was a little cool considering it was August, but we were grateful that we didn't get rained on. Ashberry Pasture, managed by the Yorkshire Wildife Trust, occupies the sides and floor of a deep valley with complex geology giving arise to diverse habitats. The valley sides are mostly wooded, and moist grassland sits in the bottom where a stream runs through the reserve. We spent the morning and early afternoon exploring the site. A deer was spotted on the far side of the stream, doing its best to hide in the grass. Many butterflies were flying despite the lack of sun. We recorded about 7, including red admiral, small copper and large white. Only a dozen birds were recorded, with the highlight being a willow tit which sang and gave a good display. 114 flowering plants/ferns were recorded including marsh lousewort, fragrant orchid and pepper saxifrage, which was a first for the BEES group. While we lunched by the stream Joan was befriended by a grasshopper that took a liking to her trousers. Numerous green froghoppers were leaping amongst the vegetation and even seen swimming in the stream!
View Over RievaulxMid-afternoon we took a short drive to Rievaulx Terraces, a National Trust property, comprising grassland surrounded by woodland overlooking Rievaulx Abbey. On admission, we were advised to head for the Ionic temple, where the guide gave a very over the top, dramatic, gesticulative account of the history of the temple. We then strolled down the terrace to the Tuscan Temple whilst enjoying the stunning views over Rievaulx Abbey. At the base of the Tuscan Temple pretty little blue harebells grew alongside yellow bedstraw. Our route back took us through woodland which was dominated by dogs mercury. We enjoyed ice creams or hot drinks in the visitor centre before returning back to the bus having enjoyed another lovely day out.
Sue