SundewDue to shooting activity on the Devonshire Estate our planned visit to Hazelwood Moor to appreciate the heather moorland was replaced by a 5-mile walk over Ilkley Moor which had the same intention. We parked at Cow & Calf rocks and 12 members (10 baht 'at) struck out across the moor. Our leader, Donald Lightowler, pointed out the profusion of calluna vulgaris and pteridium aquilinum (heather and bracken) which was very evident, especially the former which was in full bloom and a lovely sight throughout our walk. Being moorland, the variety of flora and fauna was limited but we did also note erica cinerea (bell heather), erica tetralix (cross-leaved heath), drosera rotundifolia (common sundew) together with a few butterflies (mainly painted lady) dragonflies and birds (mainly meadow pipits and swallows). The main purpose of this walk was, however, to enjoy the heather moorland and the extensive views which Ilkley Moor offers and Donald not only succeeded in making the walk very enjoyable by pointing out all the interesting features of the moor and the views beyond but also with perfect timing ensured that the walk finished just before the rain came.
Despite recent rain which had made some parts of the walk very boggy everyone stayed dry apart from our chief photographer and fellow-blogger Sue who somehow managed to get herself ensnared by a bog up to her calf and so completed the walk with one soggy foot!
Another excellent day out - thanks Donald!
Stuart
I was very grateful to Stuart for pulling me out of the bog!
Sue