Brockadale.

Hottest day of the year so far. Sunny, although sometimes a little hazy, and 27C.

We went to Brockadale. One of our favourite Yorkshire Wildlife Reserves.
Started off at the lovely little village of Kirk Smeaton, just off the A1 north of Doncaster.
The little river Went winds it’s way through the Dale made up of Magnesium Limestone Grassland, and a SSSI designated area.

This was a recce for a walk we are doing for the Pudsey Ramblers in two weeks time.
That is if people can find it, as a bit outside our usual area.

We counted over 70 butterflies. Mainly Marbled White, but also Brimstone, Ringlet, Large Heath, Large White and others.
Only managed one photo as they were just not cooperating. Never kept still long enough.

It was nice and cool as we walked through the woods. Hot again as we came into the open meadows.
The only people we met were two horse riders, two people with cameras, and a lady taking her Springer, Poppy, for a walk, who was quite wet from playing in the river. Stopped and had a chat.

Back at the pub, and a welcome pint of Tetleys Smooth for MrC and a shandy for me.
Unfortunately they had sold out of sandwiches, so collected one on the way home.
What a lovely walk yet again. Only 4 miles but it was enough on a hot day. Fingers crossed for good weather in two weeks time.

Main photo is one of the many Common Spotted Orchids, and extra a collage of our day.