BrimstoneToday's visit to Sprotborough Flash YWT reserve in south Yorkshire lifted our spirits. The weather was on our side - it was fine with some sunny periods. The wind although mild was quite strong in the Don Valley. We welcomed the signs of spring that were present in the avian, floral and insect world. The group followed the footpath between the Flashes and River Don. The Flashes are lakes caused through mining subsidence. The trees and bushes were full of "little brown jobs" and bird song. We had good sightings of chiff chaff and other spring migrants:- black cap, willow warbler as well as resident tits - great, blue and long tailed. The yaffle of a green woodpecker was heard in the distance. From the hides we viewed a pair of great crested grebes building a nest, a buzzard resting in a tree, swallow, house and sand martin flying over the Flash, a greylag goose and pheasant in the grassland. 35 species of bird were recorded.
Our walk through woodland brought the flora to our notice. The woodland and grassland have a band of magnesian limestone as their base. Wood anemones provided a wonderful white carpet, violets- four varieties were identified. 
BuzzardDogs mercury an indicator of ancient woodland was present in profusion. To our surprise four species of butterfly were seen on a large area of bramble. They included several comma butterflies, brimstone, peacock and small tortoiseshell. John told us that these butterflies had recently emerged from hibernation . They were noticeably very still.
Our walk continued upwards passing several yew trees to the disused railway line. We walked along the line then diverted past an arable field until we came to an area of exposed grassland. This area is managed for the benefit of summer flowers including orchids. Our party of 15 had enjoyed the day greatly and thanks to Sue's driving arrived back in Bradford in good time. Margaret