We will be on the edge of the Forest of Bowland for today’s visit. We will park in the car park in Slaidburn (Grid Ref SD 7136 5235) where we can use the toilets before setting off on a two mile circular walk of the Bell Sykes Hay Meadows. We will be accompanied by the Bowland Hay Time Project officer. We start off alongside the river before crossing into the meadow area where we expect to see a fine display of wildflowers. The walk takes us up hill, a steady climb on good paths, to Bell Sykes farm, where we eat our lunch. Tea and cake may possibly be available for a donation.
Above the farm are open fields, before the descent through areas that have been regenerated as hay meadows as part of the Coronation Meadows Project. There is a short section of path that we can expect to be wet whatever the weather. There are a couple of ladder stiles and the final descent is relatively steep and uneven, but not long so can be taken slowly.
Once we have completed this walk we will drive a short distance to Stocks Reservoir. We plan to visit the churchyard which is managed for wildflowers, and walk along the banks of the reservoir.
Leaders: Julia Pearson, Joan Dobson
Minibus transport; depart Unitarian Church 9.30am. Cost £10