U3A Naturalists’ Field Trip to Derbyshire 8-12 June 2015 Group outside the hotel 30 members of our group set out from Harrogate for our first venue which was Potteric Carr Nature Reserve run by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust near Doncaster, where various guides escorted us around the large reserve which has a variety of habitats ranging from lagoons to woodland. We then continued to Dovedale in Derbyshire where we stayed in the Holiday Fellow- ship Centre there. Unlike previous years when we had the venue to ourselves, we were sharing with other groups each following a different pursuit. It also meant that we shared tables at meal times and could join in a variety of evening activities such as country dancing which proved to be quite popular with some members. We explored Dovedale itself the following day and began by climbing Thorpe Cloud just behind the hotel for the magnificent views from the top. Dovedale is set amidst limestone scenery and is part of ‘The White Peak’. We enjoyed a day of examining the flora and tree species inhabiting the dale and some of us extended the walk and returned via a fairly ‘ adventurous’ route on a higher path to enjoy the magnificent scenery. Wednesday took us to Lathkill Dale – a beautiful On top of Thorpe Cloud valley with a crystal clear stream running through it and remnants of industrial archaeology where an innovative system of water pipes helped provide a constant supply of water to the surrounding area. Further up the dale we found a unique location for the attractive ‘ Jacob’s Ladder’ ( Polemonium caeruleum). It is so special to see these plants flourishing in their natural environment. The sun shone and this was England at its best ! Some spare time in the afternoon saw people follow different interests locally. We went to see a local Well Dressing which is a Derbyshire speciality. Lots of villages decorate their springs or well heads as a thanksgiving for the provi- sion of water. The decorations comprise a tableau depict- ing a variety of topics, some religious, and they are made from a variety of natural ‘ingredients’ such as petals, ber- ries and seeds, bark etc which are pressed into a clay bed. Another glorious day followed which saw us in Millers Dale, examining quarries and a trail along the disused rail- way line and into Chee Dale for more flora and fauna where a dipper appeared right on cue ! All too soon, the last day dawned bright and clear and everyone dispersed to visit assort- ed venues such as Chatsworth House on the way home. We walked along and around Cressbrook Dale with its dry valley and dis- tinctive landmark of Peter’s Stone. Well done to all of the organisers and here’s to next year in Shropshire........... ! Anne Hopkins Relaxing in Chee Dale Mandarin Duck.