Looking Across the Lake to the HouseInteresting wetland plants, dragonflies, the history of Doncaster, these were the themes for our Bees outing today and they were explored by our group. Cusworth Park is a country park managed by Doncaster council containing two lakes and an extensive parkland area on the outskirts of Doncaster. The elegent Georgian mansion was once the home of the Battle Wrightson family and is now a museum representing the social and economic history of the hall and Doncaster area. Doncaster, as well as being a mining area, became famous for "the Plant" the locomotive works where some magnificent steam engines were designed and built. 
Dryad's SaddleIt was a warm, overcast day with sunshine appearing in the afternoon. 13 of us were hoping for something relaxing not too strenuous, perhaps a cup of tea and cake in the tea room at the end of the day. 
FleabaneOur morning walk was led by Eric and Joan and involved a hunt for green-flowered helleborine in the woodland beyond the lake. Several specimens were eventually located in a grassy area by the side of the path. The ground was exceedingly dry and several plants were in fruit displaying their bright red berries. The lakeside proved productive for several "newish" plants including fan-leaved water crowfoot, trifid bur marigold, sweet flag, marestail, black harehound and common fleabane. The dragonflies were the emperor and hawker species. Butterfly species included speckled wood, green-veined white and gatekeeper. Swans, coot and mallard were seen with their young on the lake. We were back in Bradford in no time having enjoyed a good day out.
Margaret