WFV Rougement 29.4.25 

Bluebells, butterflies and a lot more!

A party of 9 set off for a 3 mile walk in sunny conditions (temperatures around 24 C, almost a heat wave) to enjoy the special countryside of the Lower Wharfe Valley, starting from St Barnabus church, Weeton. This delightful walk was familiar to some and completely new to others. It provided an opportunity to enjoy the spring flora, birds and insects of the road verges and mixed hedgerow, as well as of the stunning bluebell woodland. The flora observed on the verges included dogs mercury, garlic mustard, ground ivy, greater stitchwort, wild arum, cow parsley, bus vetch and goldilocks buttercup. The mixed hedge included hazel, crab apple, both hawthorn and midland hawthorn in flower as well as hop. Birds seen were buzzard and red kite; white throat and yellow hammer were heard. Eagle eyed Julia spotted the caterpillar of the yellow -tail moth.

We enjoyed views of the Chevin, the Harewood estate as well as Almscliff  Crag. Several red kites were seen hunting for food in a recently ploughed field.

The bluebells of the woodland provided a carpet of blue with specks of red campion in their midst. The speedwells germander, wood and ivy leaved were present in the understorey. On entering the woodland the leaves of leapardsbane were seen.

What was exceptional were the number and variety of butterflies in flight or feeding on the nectar of the bluebells. The butterflies included orange tip and speckled wood (both in good numbers), green veined white, peacock and brimstone. The day was rounded off by an exploration of the church yard with cowslips and primrose in flower but no false oxlip. 49 species in flower were recorded. A memorable day out. Thanks go to those who organised and supported our walk.

Margaret