HeathlandThree late cancellations meant that a party of ten left Bradford in a forecast heavy shower which drifted east with us until we almost reached our destination. After a comfort stop at Newmillerdam where the party increased to eleven we drove the short way to Seckar Wood, an SSSI because of presence of Petty Whin, a gorse-like plant which grows at only one other place in Yorkshire. We located the plants in the dry heath part of the site but were disappointed to find that they had already flowered some time before and we made a note to come back again earlier in the season. We were in time, however, to see the magnificent display of bluebells which was enhanced by swathes of greater stichwort in the woodland area. The wet heath parts of the site were too wet for exploration but Joan did record 49 species of plant in flower and 6 ferns.
Green Veined White
It was quite windy but warm enough to tempt 5 species of butterfly onto the wing whilst we were constantly reminded of the season of the year by the songs of many different birds. Blackcap, whitethroat, willow warbler and chiffchaff were the main soloists to the bird chorus. Whilst we lunched at the old swimming pool in the centre of the wood a kingfisher flew across the water seen only by Robert – the rest of the party had their backs to the show! Other birds seen at this location were yellowhammer, linnet and a wheatear very well spotted by John who also recorded common heath moth.
Another comfort stop at Newmillerdam on the way to our next location provided sightings of various water birds and ice creams for many participants before the short journey to Sandal Castle where we were greeted by very strong winds. 
Sandal CastleWe only had 50 minutes at this site and although the weather continued to be dry with sunny spells, the wind drove most people back to the minibus before the time had elapsed. Two members did undertake the mile or so walk down to Pugney’s Country Park and were rewarded with the sight of scores of swifts wheeling over the water together with a few house and sand martins – a sight well worth the effort. The total bird count for the day was 35.
An early return to Bradford ensured that we missed the traffic and so enjoyed another successful day out.
Stuart