View To Kettlewell
Two years since our last interesting visit to Scargill House we returned with the botanists looking forward to an array of limestone-loving plants whilst the ornithologists were especially on the lookout for pied flycatcher and redstart.
Scargill is a Christian retreat set in a 90-acre estate which comprises meadow, woodland, limestone terracing and a walled garden. The drizzle which greeted our late arrival, caused by roadworks on the A65, had cleared by the time we had enjoyed the tea and biscuits offered by Scargill House whilst Hugh Firman, our guide for the day, briefly outlined the day’s programme.
A blackcap’s song accompanied the first part of our walk and butterflies were on the wing as we walked slowly through the meadow and then started to climb through the woodlands to the limestone terracing but it was after 1.30 before we reached our lunch stop with extensive views over the Wharfe valley. By this time the sun was shining and lots of chimneysweeper moths were flitting about together with numerous ringlet butterflies. 
Northern Brown ArgusThe occasional northern brown argus butterflies caused some identification problems to the uninitiated due to their being very similar to the female common blue. John, of course, was on hand to correct any misidentification.
Helped by Hugh’s friends, Joan and Philip from Todmorden, Joan and Alice recorded 159 plants in flower whilst 19 birds species were seen or heard and 12 butterflies and 5 day-flying moths were seen. Highlights from the botanists’ list were mountain mellick, northern bedstraw and common spotted orchid whilst surprisingly dewberry and aspen were not on the plant list for the site and so were added to the record. Lots
Bloody Cranesbill of rock roses decorated the limestone terraces together with wild strawberry which provided a dessert for some. The ornithologists searched in vain for a pied flycatcher or redstart but we did see a tree pipit and three raptors. (Hugh did see a redstart and a red-legged partridge two minutes after our departure).
The day was rounded off with tea and cakes back at Scargill before we headed back to Bradford very satisfied with our day’s outing.
Unfortunately our delayed arrival meant that we didn’t have time to fully explore the walled garden but we vowed to do that when next we return to this delightful spot.
Thanks go to Margaret for organising the day and to our driver for the day, Robert.
Stuart