1998 Ingleborough Yorkshire 4 July One Day Meeting
Twenty-one members met at Horton-in-Ribblesdale where, under the expert guidance of Brian Burrow, all set off to examine the flora of lngleborough's limestone pavements and scars. Interest was heightened from the very start, when in the lower hay meadows an abundance of the hybrid grass x Festulolium loliaceum displayed all its variability. It proved a good omen. During a warming ascent, Brian explained the environment required by Viola rupestris (Teesdale Violet) and soon everyone was able to familiarise themselves with its characteristics. The plant is present over many acres of Ingleborough, wherever the habitat is right. In another spot, with both parents present. the hybrid with V. riviniana (Common Dog-violet) was sought and found quite readily.
On the tracks, Arenaria norvegica ssp. anglica (English Sandwort) flowered freely, while a boggy flush exhibited a wealth of sedges including a new find for the area in Carex capillaris (Hair Sedge). Certain specimens of Sedum villosum (Hairy Stonecrop) all posing for their photographs formed a fitting climax to the morning as we climbed to an elevated coign of vantage and lunch.
Resuming, we wandered amid the most stunning scenery. The cliff faces of the scars are home to Polygonutum odoratum (Angular Solomon's-seal) and Veronica spicata ssp. hybrida (Spiked Speedwell) on their more precipitous ledges. The region is renowned for its vast area of limestone pavement, of which the grikes are home to a wealth of woodland plants. Here, we encountered 11 different ferns, including the localised Dryopteris submontana (Rigid Buckler Fern) and Gymnocarpium robertianum (Limestone Fern).
Time passed at the gallop and as evening came. a handy wall was followed down. Here it was rumoured that Alchemilla minima (Lady's Mantle) lurked amid lush grasses loved by sheep. Five, well-chewed Alchemilla microspecies turned up accompanied by much discussion. Eventually, a most convincing specimen was found, flowers and all, which satisfied even the most recalcitrant doubters. It was a wonderful day and all our thanks go to Brian for showing us his treasures in such an expert and well presented way.
BILL HAWKINS