WFV, 3rd March 2020, Ripley Castle Grounds

Submitted by Wildlife Field… on Wed, 4th Mar 2020, 9:42am

Our planned visit to Gouthwaite Reservoir was substituted by a plan to visit Ripley Castle grounds. This was considered to be a wise decision for safety reasons. The Pateley bridge area had been subjected to flooding and there had been a flood alert for the Upper Nidd area for over a month. The recent weather had been unpredictable with rain, snow, high winds and sunshine over the preceding weeks. However this trip was well supported by a band of 10 regular Bees customers. All in all the conditions were favourable although the temperatures low. 

The party divided into small groups to stroll around the lake, park, walled garden and glasshouse. 19 plants were recorded by Alice in flower and 20 birds by Donald. It was a delight to see the early spring flowers which included snow drops, primroses, cowslips, dogs mercury, red dead nettle, aconites, blue anemone, celandines, common whitlow grass and lesser periwinkle. The birds included red kite and buzzard overhead; canada and greylag geese, oyster catchers and shelduck on the lake; blue tit, greenfinch and robin in the woodland. There were sightings of fallow deer in the park. The walled garden( hellebores) and greenhouse containing tropical plants and the national collection of hyacinths were visited .The specimen trees including several champion trees are a special feature. They included walnut, giant redwood, chestnut, beech, oak and yew of great size and unusual shapes. 

The opportunity for fresh air and exercise had been appreciated as well as the comforts of the tea room at the conclusion of the day. Friendships had been renewed  after a period of absence.Thanks go to Kevin our driver for the day. 

See the photos here

Margaret     

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