Limestone Pavement.

Ruth Daniel · #1 (**permalink**) 05-05-2009, 02:53 PM

We walked around this superb little Nature Reserve last week looking for the very rare Duke of Burgundy butterfly which breeds there....we didn't get to see it but were thrilled with the superb example of limestone pavement that was there.

The trees that grow in the grikes are naturally miniaturised because of limited soil depths and some of them are ancient yet only a few feet tall.....an amazing sight and a fascinating place to visit!

KeenTeen17 · #2 (**permalink**) 05-05-2009, 02:57 PM

Gait Barrows!! This place is really good for plants

Dark Red Helleborine

Did you see this by any chance?

Angular Solomon's Seal - its the only site in Lancashire for it

KeenTeen17 · #3 (**permalink**) 05-05-2009, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KeenTeen17

Gait Barrows!! This place is really good for plants

Dark Red Helleborine

Did you see this by any chance?

Angular Solomon's Seal - its the only site in Lancashire for it

Did you go anywhere else in Silverdale?

Ruth Daniel · #4 (**permalink**) 05-05-2009, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KeenTeen17

Gait Barrows!! This place is really good for plants

Dark Red Helleborine

Did you see this by any chance?

Angular Solomon's Seal - its the only site in Lancashire for it

I've got Solomon's Seal in my garden but didn't notice any at Gaitbarrows......I only had eyes for the butterflies!

We walked Eaves Wood and out to Jenny Browns Point also....a lovely area!

KeenTeen17 · #5 (**permalink**) 05-05-2009, 03:04 PM

I'm quite jealous now because I haven't been up to Silverdale in a while and I'm having withdrawal symptoms because all the good plants are coming out. Theres Herb Paris in Eaves Wood and Ladys Slipper coming up soon. Theres also Common Star of Bethlehem through the small gap in the wall at JBP

treecreeper · #6 (**permalink**) 05-05-2009, 05:41 PM

I haven't been to Silverdale for years...it's just a bit too far from Wirral for a day out. Last time I was there I found lily of the valley.

ChrisJB · #7 (**permalink**) 05-05-2009, 08:25 PM

[quote=Ruth Daniel;470760]We walked around this superb little Nature Reserve last week looking for the very rare Duke of Burgundy butterfly which breeds there....we didn't get to see it but were thrilled with the superb example of limestone pavement that was there.

The trees that grow in the grikes are naturally miniaturised because of limited soil depths and some of them are ancient yet only a few feet tall.....an amazing sight and a fascinating place to visit!

You might be a tad early for the 'dukes' Ruth. I've found the 20th May a reliable date, though dipped last year. I've also noted that they always seem to appear between ten and half past in the morning. Check out the Ladies Slipper too near Silverdale village. It's a beaut. I've also stumbled across one at Gait Barrows a couple of years ago, but was a chance find, and I doubt I'd be able to locate it again.
I was there a few weks ago and the blackthorn blossom was breathtaking.

Regards, Chris

Ruth Daniel · #8 (**permalink**) 06-05-2009, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisJB

You might be a tad early for the 'dukes' Ruth. I've found the 20th May a reliable date, though dipped last year. I've also noted that they always seem to appear between ten and half past in the morning. Check out the Ladies Slipper too near Silverdale village. It's a beaut. I've also stumbled across one at Gait Barrows a couple of years ago, but was a chance find, and I doubt I'd be able to locate it again.
I was there a few weks ago and the blackthorn blossom was breathtaking.

Regards, Chris

There was a notice up saying that the Dukes were flying Chris but it was rather cool and had been very wet so we weren't surprised not to have seen them.....thanks for all the other info......we go to the area often so will keep it in mind!

ChrisJB · #9 (**permalink**) 07-05-2009, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ruth Daniel

There was a notice up saying that the Dukes were flying Chris but it was rather cool and had been very wet so we weren't surprised not to have seen them.....thanks for all the other info......we go to the area often so will keep it in mind!

That is interesting to know. They are a very enigmatic species, I've been some days and seen plenty, yet been the following year at the same time in similar weather conditions and seen naught. They are very localised on the reserve too, in very small isolated colonies. I find them very frustrating sometimes. The High Browns are much more amenable I've found.

Regards, Chris

Ruth Daniel · #10 (**permalink**) 08-05-2009, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisJB

They are very localised on the reserve too, in very small isolated colonies. I find them very frustrating sometimes.

Yes there were a few areas that had been roped off where the Dukes colonies were.....a super afternoon tho and the trails were all well marked with interesting points from the leaflet we were kindly sent together with our parking permit.