Our visit today is a circular route of about 4 or 5 miles taking in Buckden, Cray and Hubberholme in Upper Wharfedale. We should find an array of spring flowers along the tracks and in the hay meadows. Common Blue and Northern Brown Argus are amongst the butterflies we might see. The birds nesting in the farmland include Redshank and Oystercatcher and we will also walk alongside the river where we may see wagtails and dippers. We will meet the farmer at Cray (assuming no farm emergencies) who will be able to give us an insight into the how some of his farming practices are influenced by the wildlife on his farm.
We will also pause to admire, I hope, the dry stone wall that BEES Friday volunteers have been repairing recently.
The walk starts with a climb out of Buckden, and some sections of path are fairly steep. There are stepping stones to cross at Cray (if the river is exceptionally high we will alter the walk accordingly). Walking sticks will be helpful. There are toilets in Buckden where we will park.
Leader: Julia Pearson
Minibus transport; depart Unitarian Church 9.30am. Cost £8