Mountain PansiesIt was nice to have a new participant with us on this week's trip. After a stop off at the main car park in Grassington we parked up at the small quarry car park alongside Grass Wood nature reserve. Donald led us on a walk of approximately 3 miles. There were plenty of wood and water avens and the hybridised plants and there was a splendid swathe of wild garlic. 93 flowering plants and 7 ferns were noted including lily of the valley, mountain pansy and bloody cranesbill. It was a dry day with some sun breaking through and we did see green veined white and small heath butterflies. As we had lunch in Grass Wood I fear some bugs took the opportunity to feast on us. 
Soldier Beetle
When we headed into Bastow Wood some of the group were fortunate to see a hedgehog ambling across the path. There were beautiful views form the more open terrain here. We retraced our steps back to Grass Wood and then skirted the periphery.In a neighbouring field a noisy curlew alerted us to its presence and then we realised it was calling to its two youngsters that had wandered off.
Young Curlew We had gorgeous views of these chicks and then a green woodpecker flew in and landed in the same field.
Only 18 birds were recorded but the birding encounters were quite special. Tree pipit, meadow pipit and nuthatch were amongst the birds recorded. A buzzard was seen flying low overhead. Some inkcaps were seen growing in a hole quite high up in a tree. Despite a short unplanned extension on the walk at the end of the day we had a very enjoyable outing and we were grateful to Donald for organising it.
Sue