It had been a long-held dream to visit the RSPB Reserve at Bempton Cliffs. Standing in the car park on an overcast (very overcast (!)) day last Monday, Stella sniffing contentedly, that dream became reality. The RSPB have done an amazing job. Being Spring Bank Holiday Monday it was heaving, dogs, children, people just enjoying a day out, people with superb equipment, clearly passionate about their wildlife, it was a lovely mix. What was surprising, given how busy it was, it was just so peaceful.
My memories of the coast around Thornwick Bay are so different, sitting reading a book tucked in a hollow just over the edge of the cliff (it never occurred to me I could have fallen off the edge!) seabirds flying overhead, warm summer days lazing in the grass among the daisies and the thrift. I didn't realise then just how privileged I was. It was just a lovely time.
In those days what is now the RSPB Reserve belonged to a local farmer. I can't ever remember seeing sheep or cows or grain in the fields. I guess the fields were left unused. A path meandered (and still meanders) along the cliff, the Yorkshire Wolds Way. Now 're-wilded', the grass on either side of the path through the Reserve was a glorious mix of wild flowers. Sparrows chattering in the hedgerow, a (long) cup of tea and a contented dog, as Pop Larkin would say 'Puurfick'.
In those days what is now the RSPB Reserve belonged to a local farmer. I can't ever remember seeing sheep or cows or grain in the fields. I guess the fields were left unused. A path meandered (and still meanders) along the cliff, the Yorkshire Wolds Way. Now 're-wilded', the grass on either side of the path through the Reserve was a glorious mix of wild flowers. Sparrows chattering in the hedgerow, a (long) cup of tea and a contented dog, as Pop Larkin would say 'Puurfick'.