A Bright Start on the Moors

Stanton Moor Woods were alive with bird song and that invigorating “morning freshness” smell –  a distinctive blend of Birch and Bracken. Attractive as the woods were the objective was to view the moorland Heather now just about at its best…….

Heather blossom and sunshine creates a unique fragrance all of its own, a sweet waxy aroma normally very attractive to Bees in search of pollen. Heather Honey is a local delicacy, though this year I wonder if the harvest will be that great, as despite a warm, sunny, wind free day there are fewer Bees than I expected in this normally popular Bee Hot Spot!

Another concern is the spread of the Bracken….it must be this seasons mix of weather, as the Bracken is in places  smothering the Heather, both plants fighting for territorial possession of the moor…..

Thankfully there are still areas where the Heather dominates the ideal backdrop to a peaceful mornings walk, the only distracting sound being the ‘tut-ing’ of Wrens and Robins marking the boundaries of their territories……

18th August

© David Oakes 2014