Upper Teasdale, Spring GentianThis season's extended day out took us to Upper Teesdale where a fine blustery (make that windy!) day allowed ample time to explore the areas of Moor House National Nature Reserve, which included Cow Green Reservoir and Cauldron Snout, and the High Force area. The altitude (1500ft) meant that most plants were not inclined to put their heads too far above the ground and so some flower recognition was not easy. The wind and the altitude meant also that bird species were limited, but the botanists were especially thrilled with sightings of spring gentian, bird's eye primrose, mountain pansy and moonwort whilst the ornithologically inclined members were over the moon with sightings of a pair of ring ouzels and even more excited when the nest was observed with the female in residence. The juniper area produced woodcock with young and a fly-past by goosander and RAF Hercules. Total bird sightings was 36, which considering the altitude and the wind was very good, whilst 46 flowering plants and 7 ferns were recorded.
The day was rounded off with dinner at the Good Beer Guide listed Langdon Beck Hotel, where the Black Sheep was on good form before we returned to Bradford as the clock entered the last hour of an enjoyable day.
The full minibus trip was superbly organised once again by Joan Dobson and Eric Beety.
Please look in the wfv gallery for other photos of the day
Stuart
This day out in Upper Teesdale was brilliant. It was the first time I'd seen the spring gentian flower and the waterfalls were stunning and made for good photo opportunities.Although very windy, we felt very blessed with the periodic sunshine. Follow the link to see photos of the falls and also birds eye primrose.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/suejeanz/3529722337/in/set-721576163812965…
Sue