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Cartmel: Howbarrow and Ellerside Ridge

15/2/2018

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PictureYellow brain fungus, Tremella mesentrica
  'What flowers can you find in February?' The challenge was thrown down as we set out from Cartmel Race Course.
We could expect mud, after rainy days. But we don't need The Archers no complaining for Lent.  Ramblers don't do complaining. We are here to enjoy the day and the chill wind quickly has us looking fresh-faced and invigorated.
Amongst the gorse I'm looking not for  the scatter of  yellow flowers found at any season, but for a winter-special. A glimpse of deep gold, the soft jelly- lobes of fungus fruiting out of wood.   Tremella mesentrica, yellow brain fungus.

On this mid-February day it was all about the light.  To the north-west, we saw the snow-capped fells gleaming in sunlight. Distant, elusive. Ewes crowded about a feeder as farmers anticipate lambing time and ensure their flocks are well-fed.  We stopped for coffee, seeking out shelter from the wind amongst the rocks.  The sun gleamed over Cartmel Sands.  However cold, however windy,  Hilary rarely wears a hat. As I photograph into the sun her hair becomes a halo of light.
By Hard Crag Wood we passed a farmhouse with a wonderful display of snowdrops, offset by the warm colour of winter bracken.  So, flowers in February.
Next day, I found daphne laureola in flower too.
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    Jan Wiltshire is a nature writer living in Cumbria. She also explores islands and coast and the wildlife experience. (See Home and My Books.)

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