Silverdale, Cumbria 12 June 2010

Imagine a stroll along quiet lanes, through herb rich meadows and sun dappled woodland, across limestone pavement and beside a tranquil lake. This walk was enjoyed by Rochdale Field Naturalists on their latest outing. It took in three different nature reserves, just north of Silverdale, and each produced a wealth of flora and fauna.

 A carpet of pink Bird’s Eye primroses was the first rarity of many seen by the group. Later a perfect example of the Lady’s Slipper orchid was hunted down in Gait Barrows National Nature Reserve. In sunny hedgerows and meadows wild flowers such as Bladder Campion, Herb Bennet, Dropwort, Crosswort, Slender Thistle, wild Roses, and several species of orchid could be seen. Flag Iris and Ragged Robin produced vivid splashes of colour in damper pasture. On the other hand, Golden Scaly Male Fern, Gromwell, Woody Nightshade preferred the shade of woodland. The habitat of Gait Barrows has an extraordinarily rich diversity of plants. Trees grow directly out of the limestone pavement but, as their roots are restricted, the low yews, rowan, wild privet and junipers develop bonsai characteristics. Many plants, including ferns, live in the deep cracks of the limestone pavement whilst little cushions of Thyme, Rock Rose and Biting Stonecrop punctuate the bare rock surfaces.

 Insects were very active in the warm sunshine. Common Blue damselfly, the Blue Tailed damselfly and Broad Bodied Chasers were darting around constantly, showing off their iridescent hues. There was a long roll call of butterflies and moths, including Brimstone, Comma, Northern Brown Argus and the rarer Small Pearl Bordered Fritillary.

 Many woodland birds like blackcap, woodpeckers, finches and tits, including marsh tit, were spotted and Reed Warblers were present in the fens surrounding Hawes Water. Marsh Harriers made several appearances, one being harried by a buzzard. The return through the RSPB reserve of Leighton Moss gave the chance to see Great Crested Grebes, Little Grebes and many other waterfowl. A stoat made a dash across the path, only to reappear shortly afterwards with prey in its mouth.

Sightings list.

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All images by Peter Stevens