The morning was fresh and bright. Overnight rain had soaked vegetation and a stream of water ran down our track. Puddles reflected white cumulous cloud and the green of the fells. A cuckoo called from Ashtead Fell and I scanned the tops of conifers. Generous in calling, impossible to see. Thistles were bursting into flower, and foxgloves were tall and stately, overtopping seeding grasses. I found a spider's silken trap weaving grass, sorrel and thistle.This time, I saw it better than my camera could.
Some three weeks since we last came here for the flowers of the Upland Hay Meadows and now we approach peak season. The light could not be better. The valley floor is a mass of gold with buttercups, hawk-bit and hawk-weed and white ox-eye daisies. Amongst them is red and white clover. Yellow rattle and eyebright are saprophytes with a key role in ensuring biodiversity as they weaken grasses and allow a range of flowers to flourish. There are plantains and sorrels and diverse grasses with a bank of seeding purple grasses giving a contrast with golden flowers.
A group of Penrith Scouts was having a fun time removing plastic protective shields from established young trees bordering the upland hay meadow. When we returned they were having lunch, ready for flower identification in the afternoon. Friends of the Lake District was hosting the event, supervising and ensuring a great day out with an educational focus.
Today, I learn that the barrier erected to close the Brigsteer bridge over the Kendal Bypass has been vandalised. Is it a protest against the closure? Meeting Friends of the Lake District I share with them the need for a speedy restitution of safe and direct access to our beloved Scout Scar.
Today, I learn that the barrier erected to close the Brigsteer bridge over the Kendal Bypass has been vandalised. Is it a protest against the closure? Meeting Friends of the Lake District I share with them the need for a speedy restitution of safe and direct access to our beloved Scout Scar.
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