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Peace,
serenity, tranquility, the quintessential hallmarks of Dales
pastoral life, bursts into a cacophony of joyous song from a
thousand throats as the early Spring dawn chorus heralds the
annual promise of renewal of life.
Too
many to list, the rich and varied bird population that has
overwintered through frosts and snows, announces its delight
in the brightening days and faith in the sheer joy of living.
To us, privileged to experience this outburst of optimism,
it uplifts the spirits after darker days and produces a literal
spring of anticipation for a new season ahead.
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Click
on the smaller images for a larger view
A
spring walk
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Summertime above Kettlewell |
Greenery
appears greener, skeletal trees put forth new coats of leaves,
daffodils blaze forth in profusion and the tap-tapping of the
woodpeckers seems to presage the fresh sounds of new born lambs.
The Dale is alive and through it glides and tumbles the ever
present River Wharfe, itself a giver and provider of life and
an anglers’ paradise.
To
walk the riversides and fells in Spring and early summer is
to witness the miracle of Natures’ rebirth. The meadows
transform with a carpeting of wild flowers, encouraged by the
migration of sheep to high fell pastures. Haytime is delayed
by man so that seeds can drop and set, enhancing future floral
tributes.
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| Swallows,
lapwings, curlews, oyster catchers among many others have nested,
raised their young and provided hours of pleasure for those able
to witness their rich diversity and energy. But summer must wane,
and several species stage spectacular migrations to southern lands.
Autumn arrives, a golden age of dramatic colour changes before
leaf fall takes charge. The once tiny lambs have grown to the size
of their mothers and both have fresh thick fleeces against the
onset of winter. |
Bolton
Abbey Priory
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Aysgarth
Falls in Winter |
Our
winters, though cold, are crisp and clear. The very light seems
polished and the hard frosts make paths firm and inviting.
Christmastime
in Buckden, surrounded by snow flecked hills, warmed by the
hospitality of Inns that seem to appear, as if by magic, at
the terminus of every walk, is enriched beyond measure by the
candlelit Services of our ancient churches, ever proclaiming
the joy of  spiritual
re-birth. Even Nature silently prepares for the New Year as
snow drops and crocuses bravely push their fragile forms through
the frozen ground – their own declared act of faith and
yet another message of ‘Welcome’ to a most beautiful
land.
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