Owing to several cancellations, only four began from Culture Fusion. The only other pick up was at Low Moor, where Sally & Angie joined us. We met up with Sue when we arrived at our first destination. We were repeating an event we had last done way back on the 12th Aug 2014.
Alice began by showing us an Hawkweed Ox-tongue she had found outside the building. According to her Flower book this is neither a Hawkweed nor an Ox-tongue; enough said !
Ledsham Banks is on the magnesium limestone & thus has a fine array of plants. It is renowned for two in particular. One is the Pasque Flower that flowers in the Spring & the other is the UK's latest flowering orchid; Autumn Lady's-Tresses. We arrived about 10:15 & stayed for 2 hours during which time we found our main target & a host of other interesting flora: Agrimony, Red Bartsia, Common Centaury, Eyebright, Devil's Bit, Field Scabious, Felwort, Yellow-wort, Restharrow, Thyme-leaved Sandwort & signs of Dyer's Greenweed.
A few orange waxcaps & a fine looking inkcap were spotted. None accurately ID'd to species !
Fauna included Gatekeepers, Meadow Browns, GV Whites, Red Admiral, Commas, Brimstone, Speckled Woods & some very fresh Brown Argus butterflies. Moths were Straw Conch, a very faded Six-spot Burnet & Common Carpet. Sue managed to photo a male Migrant Hawker that was hanging from a tall bush . A noisy Buzzard was the only bird of note.
Lunch was enjoyed at Fairburn Ings after which we slowly (and I mean SLOWLY) walked the boardwalk area & then proceeded towards the uppermost lake, that overlooks, where the Spoonbills are to be found. By this time the sunshine was largely replaced by cloud cover & a fresh breeze had developed. There were now fewer butterflies on the wing & the only other species seen was a Small Copper. Several Ruddy Darters were observed along the boardwalk. Retaining the names of things isn't everyone's forte & these were soon being referred to as Ruby Hawkers ! Don't even get me started on the permutations for the Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet ! These were not seen today & neither were any Spoonbills or Cattle Egrets. Lots of wildflowers however, alongside the uphill track incl Centaury, Birdsfoot Trefoil, Yarrow & Lady's Bedstraw.
Most of the group had turned back on reaching the lake & headed for refreshments at the visitor centre. The selection of sorbets on offer proved popular & Amanda regaled us with tales of her favourite puddings !
It had been a good day weather wise and we decided to leave at 15:30.
Kevin, our sole driver for the day was thanked for his efforts & is much appreciated.
See the photos here.
John Gavaghan