Aughertree meltwater channel

The fact that I am so far behind in blogs again reflects the current chaos! 

Aughertree meltwater channel is just behind the house and a favourite place for a quick breath of fresh air  in between planning workshops, painting commissioned pieces and life in general. 

The pond with a few Bog Bean in flower.

A good display of Pignut. 

The classic meltwater channel view.

A lot of new hedge management - it will be interesting to see what takes advantage! 

Swaledales. 

Southern-marsh Orchids in the North!

A trip to near junction 40 on the M6 - the orchids were splendid and we were delighted when the suspected Southern Marsh-orchid was confirmed as such. There were some hybrid Southern-marsh x Common-spotted Orchids. Across the road the Ox-eye Daisies, Ragged Robin and Red and White Campion provided a stunning display. 

The orchid bank. 

Common-spotted orchid - possibly with an element of Southern Marsh introgression given the dark base colour?

Southern-marsh orchid.

More colour...

Newts...

A quick walk on the fell behind us - the water is really low in the pond compared to usual. 

Palmate newts.

A very poor photograph of a Great-crested newt! 

The Cottongrass is well on its way! 

 

Teesdale Flora trip

A day out, primarily to see Teesdale's dwarf birch; of course there was plenty more! It was blowing a small gale so photogoraphy wasn't easy! 

Spring Sandwort.

Mountain Pansies - in the fenced area of mine workings - no sheep! 

Mountain Everlasting. 

Bird's-eye Primrose.

Alpine Bistort.

Dwarf Birch.

Globe Flowers behind the cottage where I used to live ...

..oh and of course a Spring Gentian. 

Teesdale Flora - the walk

There's always so much to see when you go to Teesdale! Not perfect conditions, but good to be back! We parked up and just did the Cow Green carpark towards the dam road and surrounds ...

The black dots are Black Grouse - on the usual field on the way over to Weardale. 

Looking up Red Sike. 

Frog...

The site where there were some lovely laminated stomatolites...Tom will no doubt be blogging this later and I'll try to remember to put a link in when he does.

Eggar moth caterpillar.

Golden Plover. 

A quality bog! 

Lapwing.

Curlew. 

Drumburgh Nature reserve

A few more pics from our visit to Drumburgh ....

Young greater-spotted woodpecker.

Cotton grass- not at its best but on the way. 

Drinker moth caterpillar.

Norhtern Eggar moth caterpillar.

Speckled Wood.

Common lizard. 

White-faced Darter - Drumburgh

Considering it was overcast and breezy, I was pleased to get any photographs of the White-faced Darters at Drumburgh Moss.  

Female White-faced Darter.

Male White-faced Darter

Four Spot Chaser.

A 'blue' damselfly.