Green-winged Orchid 04/06/2013 Mike Slimming
Eleven of us set off from Trinity in bright sunshine which fortunately persisted all day. Prior to meeting Ian, our leader, we called in at Nosterfield, where the highlight was a distant Garganey.
Burnt Orchid 04/06/2013 Mike Slimming
Ian and wife Mavis were waiting for us at the Old Glebe Field near Wendel’s Lea (nowadays known as Wensley) and we were not disappointed in our quest for Burnt (Tip) and Green-winged Orchids (see photos), the latter of which were growing in profusion, mainly purple specimens but also some paler forms. Ian informed us that this YWT reserve is the northernmost outpost of the Burnt Orchid, which is sporadically distributed across the country but mainly in the south. There was also a good display of typical meadow plants here, including some nice stands of Bugle and a few Twayblades. Some of us nearly trod on a Pheasant chick which was hunkered down in the grass but eventually scurried off to join its siblings in the hedge bottom. After a lunch stop at Berry’s Farm Shop in Swinithwaite (Wensleydale) we drove over the top to Muker in Swaledale via Askrigg. Unfortunately the brakes on the minibus were proving none too reliable and the descent into Swaledale in low gear was somewhat nerve-wracking. We followed Ian and Mavis to Yellands Meadow, another YWT reserve, with another superb display of flowers, including Wood Anemones which surprisingly were growing in the open field. There was also a traditional hay barn with many original features inside.
Hay Meadows trip 04/06/2013 Mike Slimming
Our last stop was Muker village itself where some of us strolled across the meadows to the River Swale, obtaining distant views of a Cuckoo which was being harassed by a much smaller bird, probably a Meadow Pipit. The rest of the party waited in the sunshine in the village, where at least one was tempted to sample the delights of the local hostelry, The Farmers’ Arms. On returning to Harrogate the minibus brakes finally packed up completely and smoke billowed from the front of the vehicle, so it was abandoned at Trinity. Our thanks to Ian and Mavis for a great day out.
Will Rich