This was the first time we had explored this small quarry near Colt Park (Ribblehead). Yorkshire Wildlife Trust took over management of the quarry in 1985, originally worked for construction of the Settle Carlisle railway. It is a SSSI and hosts several rare plants.
The rain throughout the day meant our notepads and books stayed well and truly in our bags, though we would have benefited from studying the features of Northern Spike Rush, and the differences between the Fragrant orchids. Despite this, we enjoyed a great and varied display, and happily identified lots of species.
There were hundreds of orchids; a mix of Common Fragrant, Common Spotted, Twayblades and the seed heads of the Early Purple Orchids. We saw one Southern Marsh Orchid as we entered the site. The very last of the Bird’s-eye Primroses were a treat, and the rosettes and seed heads indicted that there must have been a great display in late spring. There also looked to be a similar amount of Marsh Valerian, now gone to seed. Kidney Vetch, Burnet-saxifrage, Yarrow, Fairy Flax, Lady’s Bedstraw and Small Scabious were all evident flanking the path. The number of orchids in bud on the path side were a good reminder that we were in a special place, and had to be very careful when looking at anything. Tipey-toes were the order of the day.
It was clear that at times the site is much wetter than currently. There were lots of sedges; Flea, Carnation, Yellow, Common and Glaucous. Without our text books we weren’t confident with identification of the rushes or spike-rushes (so we will have to go back!). There was a large stand of Flag Iris in flower adding a nice dash of yellow alongside the fluffy white of the Common Cotton-grass.
At the end of the cliff face there were lots of ferns. We were happy to list Male Fern, Maidenhair Spleenwort and Common Polypody, but access didn't allow close inspection. There was a patch with Wood Cranesbill just before the path led through the trees. Here Wild Garlic was still in flower, but the midges were ready to pounce so it was good to get out into another open area. More orchids, Bird’s-foot Trefoil, Yellow Rattle, Common Knapweed, oh and more orchids.
Despite it’s small size, the quarry kept us entertained until mid afternoon when the rain and temperature influenced our departure. We had a short stroll up the track towards Colt Park, where we saw Betony, lots of Eyebright, Brittle Bladder Fern, and Ragged Robin and Watercress in the stream by the rocks. Goldfinches and a Song Thrush were calling, which added to the Blackcaps and Willow Warblers we had heard earlier. Unsurprisingly with the rain, we didn’t see many butterflies, but Ringlet, Common Blue and Meadow Brown were all seen. There were plenty of small moths about.
The minibus had been parked in the Gauber layby, so Kevin collected it and we and executed a swift boarding ready for our return journey (which was briefly delayed by a cafe stop in Horton to warm our hands and use the facilities).
I definitely think we would enjoy a return visit at some point in the future.
Julia