Austwick, Yorkshire 14 May 2011.

A stunning display of spring flowers was the highlight of the most recent excursion of the Rochdale Field Naturalists’ Society. The group walked from the quiet Yorkshire Dales village of Austwick along field paths and green lanes up to the historic wood pastures of Oxenber. On the way there were extensive views towards the hills of Ingleborough and Whernside. The foam like heads of Cow Parsley and the bright blue flowers of Green Alkanet bordered the shady lanes. Bistort, Ramsons and Marsh Marigolds grew alongside Austwick Beck, which was crossed by several ancient clapper bridges.  

 These were all appetisers for the main event awaiting the group at the summit of Oxenber Hill, a limestone knoll overlooking Austwick. Swathes of Bluebells, punctuated with some Early Purple Orchids led the way into Oxenber-Wharfe woods. This privately owned area has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, where grazing is carefully managed to maintain its distinctive plant life. As the paths meandered in and out of the coppices and through open limestone pasture the profusion and scent of wild flowers were breath taking. As if from a tropical sea, old gnarled ash and hazel trees emerged from deep aquamarine waves of Bluebells. In the shadier areas Anemones and Columbines grew alongside the less showy Sanicle, a good indicator of ancient woodland.

 In sunnier locations Dog Violet, Orchids, Cowslips and Primroses carpeted the grassy swards where Blue Moor-Grass, a limestone speciality, was frequent. The group enjoyed seeking out some examples of False Oxlips, which had hybridised from their adjacent parents, the cowslips and primroses.  

As it was a gusty day few butterflies were seen: only Small Heath and Green Veined White. Surprisingly two examples of Brimstone Moths were found sheltering in grass and a Silver Y was spotted.

There were several fungi, including Dung Round Head and Pleated Inkcap and a Dor Beetle crossed the path.

 The bird list for the day was not long but the group was pleased to find most of the species distinctive to the area like Redstart, Wheatear and Curlew. A Garden Warbler and Tree Pipit were also seen. Frequent parties of Swallows, Swifts, House Martins and Sand Martins were observed near the village and the sound of Willow warblers was a constant refrain throughout this delightful day.

Sightings List

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Early Purple Orchid	Pleated Inkcap	Bluebells
Common Bistort	Crosswort	Dryad's Saddle

Photographs by Peter Stevens, Steve Pinnington