Arch - Beningborough HallIt was yet another wet and damp day when 14 intrepid people set off from Bradford in the direction of York and Beningborough Hall, a National Trust property with a famous walled garden and portrait gallery. As we progressed, blue sky appeared and the White Horse of Kilburn was clearly seen (it has been newly painted). The options for the day were explained by Margaret who led the party in the absence of Marilyn who had done much of the preparation. The options were: a 3 mile self-guided walk around the park or an exploration of the gardens with a visit to the Hall which houses paintings on loan from the National Portrait gallery. We divided into small groups to pursue our interests. The walled garden holds an interesting vegetable garden, vines and figs grow on the sunny south facing wall, there are numerous apple and pear trees including several pear arches; the herbaceous borders were past their best but a few butterfly species ie red admiral were seen enjoying the nectar of the flowers. Yes we did see a small robin perched on the top of the wall of the garden. It flew off into the garden, quite magical. Amanda was helped by the gardener in identifying and collecting 30 species of apple for Bees Apple Day. The cafe provided a focal point for the group and coffee and baguettes were enjoyed in the full afternoon sunshine.
Flock Of LapwingThe 3 mile walk had proved productive for kingfisher, buzzard, cormorant and a large flock of lapwing. Autumn is approaching and fungi were seen including artist fungus, beef steak fungus and shaggy parasol. Flower species seen included burnet saxifrage, tansy (inhabited by tansy beetle), autumn hawkbit and smooth hawksbeard. A shaggy inkcap was spotted on the grass verge from the minibus on our journey home. This was a relaxed day enjoyed for the most part in sunshine. Margaret
