View From The PepperpotOur expectations were somewhat low when as a party of 14 we set off from the Bradford area dressed in suitable wet weather attire. However they rose as we approached our destination. First blue sky was seen and then Warton Crag bathed in sunshine. We set off from Silverdale beach in sunny but windy conditions. After some initial disappointment (Eric had described a sea of autumn ladies tresses on the Lots) there was delight when Donald was the first to spot the spikes of several of these orchids growing on the top of a hummock. 
Autumn Ladies TressesThey were seen again on other hummocks and also next to the path traversing the field. This particular field which is managed by the National Trust is a national treasure in terms of botanical interest throughout the year. Although late in the season we were able to enjoy rockrose, thyme and ladies bedstraw in flower. Our lunch was taken in the shelter of a dry stone wall.
The walk proceeded around the cliff edge and then onto the cove, through Emslack where sow thistle, whitebeam, and alpacas were admired. Our ascent through Eaves Wood, a typical ash/hazel/yew woodland on limestone pavement, was gradual. 
Blue SowthistleNo-one was brave enough to commit to identifying the endemic Lancastrian whitebeam, however the ferns -six in number - included male, scaly male and polypody. We were able to enjoy stupendous views of Morecambe Bay, the Forest of Bowland, Grange over Sands and the Lake District fells from the Pepperpot, a stone monument in the shape of a pepperpot created to commemorate Queen Victoria's Jubilee year. Some interesting plants; cotoneaster, heather - ling and cross leaved heath, were seen on the summit (acid soils exist on top of the limestone). On our descent in a woodland clearing common dog violet was seen in flower. We called in at Leighton Moss for a "cuppa" on our way home. 122 plant species were recorded by Joan and Alice, 22 bird species and 5 butterflies by Donald.
It was a satisfying and memorable day out to one of our favourite parts of Northern England. Thanks go to our leaders and driver for the day - Donald, Margaret and Stuart.
Margaret