The moorland heather is in full bloom, perfect for a ramble, provided one avoids the grouse-shooting areas. The shooting season officially started on August 12th, 'the glorious Twelfth'. It seems that Ilkley Moor is now the only remaining public land on which grouse shooting is licensed. Everywhere else, the shoots take place on private land. I hear there was a protest march on the moor this year, as well as a large wildlife protection march in London. Video has emerged, to widespread condemnation, of marsh harriers, a relatively rare species, being killed on a Yorkshire grouse moor. Bradford Council are under pressure not to renew the licences next year.
That aside, the moors are beautiful and I enjoyed my walk, although the huge network of paths means that I never seem to find the same route twice! I set off to look for the Twelve Apostle Stones (see here) but I didn't find them this time.
On aerial photos taken in 1970 and again in 1980 one could clearly see the fern was advancing rapidly and driving out the heather. I am so pleased to see that the heather is now clearly flourishing marvelously! I recall my aunt who was a Menston vet and also active member of a botanical club helped pay for the aerial photo action. She would be delighted!
ReplyDeleteThe heather is so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, Jenny!
ReplyDeleteThat is a gorgeous landscape.
ReplyDelete