Northern Brown ArgusA party of 11 led by Donald headed off to this limestone hillside about 2 miles north of Horton-in-Ribblesdale, where we stopped for a toilet break. Unlike the rained-off Wimbledon of the day before we again had a warm, dry day and plenty of sunshine.
This lovely weather brought out the butterflies/moths in good numbers; lots of Common Blues, Chimney Sweepers, Grass moths galore, also Small Heath, Northern Brown Argus, Meadow Brown and a single Dark Green Fritillary. Several Tree Pipits were seen singing.
Frog OrchidThe main objective, however, was to see the special plants which included Alpine Bistort (only known from 4 sites in VC64), Limestone Bedstraw, Lesser Meadow Rue, Heath Fragrant Orchid and Common Spotted Orchid. It did seem that we were going to be unlucky with our main target; Frog Orchid. We had been on site about 2 hours and despite lots of searching I couldn’t find any. Fortunately; Amanda was with us this trip and she wasn’t going to be denied and towards the end of our stay the cry went up; FROG ORCHID! Several examples were found near to the path, up on the ridge, closest to the gate where we had entered. Well done Amanda. Also to Joan who found the one in best condition and was able to identify Limestone Bedstraw.
Ribblehead Quarry, afternoon of the 1st July After Brae we then travelled to this disused quarry. 
Water AvensMenacing dark clouds arrived during our visit but luckily we were spared.
Amanda discovered a huge colony of Common Twayblades on a flat hill immediately to the right of the gate. Other orchids present were; Common Spotted and Northern Marsh and numerous hybrids, presumably Common Spotted/Marsh. Margaret found the small colony of Marsh Helleborine though these were not yet in flower. A total of 100 plants were recorded at both of these sites.
Right at the death I came across a Latticed Heath moth and managed to take its picture. A few spots of rain hit the front of the mini-bus as we set off back. Our driver was Robert.
John Gavaghan