The day after the record hottest May day, we head to the heart of Holderness in the Lambwath Valley to reach the SSSI Lambwath Meadows. This site consists of a series of fields separated by ditches on the basin of the old Lambwath Mere, now drained. Several of the meadows had been cut for hay for centuries in the traditional way, and hence they have retained a treasure trove of flora rare in the area. With the permission of the owners Carstairs Countryside Trust and led by a farmer that lives on the edge of the meadows, we start exploring the place. It is warm, but there is a light cool breeze from the north west that is very welcome. Butterflies and other insects are a plenty, and soon Matt Fox points out a Dingy Skipper and later finds a Brown Argus. There are many Chimney Sweeper moths, which reflect the abundance of Pignut. Pepper Saxifrage, Yellow Rattle, and Meadow Rue are also widely spread, the latter in the lower levels. We get a view of the wide valley, in places showing a steep slope. Two fields over, there is a carpet of orchids, many of them past their best. They are Green-veined Orchids, we find some that are still at peak condition. The farmer tells us that during winter the area is flooded, and that flooding used to last more.
Swallow.
House Martin.
Swift.
Painted Lady licking salts from dog mess.
Chimney Sweeper.
Latticed Heath.
A view of the site.
Common Blue Butterfly.
Dingy Skipper. A species that appears to be expanding.
Possibly Common Spotted Orchid.
Marsh Harrier.
Green-veined Orchid.
Green-veined White.
Running Hare.
Small Copper.
Roe Deer buck.
Brown Argus.
Flower-rich meadow.
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