Lake District, April 2024. Day 11, Squalls on The Kent

The dipper flew out of the bank of the river from under my feet and settled on a rock on the far side. Turning to face me it dipped up and down, it's brilliant white breast contrasting with the brown plumage and helping to camouflage it against the white of the rapids. It was one of several we saw along the river between Bowston and Staveley, the most exciting occasion being when we watched one busily feeding chicks in a nest tucked underneath a farm bridge.

We had walked down to the river at Bowston from our Ashes Lane site, revelling in the rich greens of the cushions of moss tumbling over the stone walls in Rather Heath Plantation and coating the trees which sprouted growths of epiphytes such as ferns, mosses and lichens. On the way through Bowston Farm we had a very interesting chat with the farmer who has given up his sheep and replaced them with shorthorn cattle as they crop the grass less short making the land better for birds and other wildlife. As always the walk along the river was delightful; we always enjoy the sound of running water. The first bluebells were coming into flower along with wild garlic. Wood anemones or windflowers are already in full bloom as are wood sorrel and drifts of ladies smock.

The tea and stickies at Wilf's in Staveley was welcome before our last couple of miles across the fields back to the site.

Lake District, April 2024. Day 8. Weather back to normal.

Another thoroughly wet and miserable day. Determined to make the most of it, however, we drove to Stavely to see the Kendal Camera Club exhibition and then went to Wilf's for lunch. The river was much higher than when we were here a couple of days ago so it is to be hoped that the dippers' nest is still safe. A bit of shopping at the Spar and then it was back to the site to batten down once more and read.

Photo: The River Kent from Wilf's.

Lake District, November, Day 3

A mottled and streaked back and pale underparts showed as the bird flew away in front of us and landed on some rose-bay-willow seeds.  A black chin showed and, as the bird dipped its head, a scarlet crown.  A lesser redpoll.  Wonderful!  I hadn't seen one for some time.  As it fed on the seeds it rewarded us with superb views.  A photographic gift had I had the big lens but exciting to watch nonetheless.

We had woken to a bright morning, although it was still dark when we saw Thomas off to work. It was still dark when I head a tawny owl calling sending a frisson of pleasure. Pack up made, we set off down the green lane to Bowston Bridge enjoying the redpoll on the way.  Another tawny gave us good views on approaching the village as it ghosted across the lane and hooted its quavering call, hidden away now, in the depths of its tree.  We soon reached the bench above the weir where we settled for our lunch in the usual spot.  Looking at the river I was aware of some differences: rapids and exposed banks rather than the normal mill pool.  It took me a few moments to realise that the weir had been removed.  Wondering why and if it would affect water levels or flooding potential we continued and noted that only a few hundred yards up river, water levels were normal, even somewhat high following recent rains.  A puzzle that was solved on returning to the van and doing some googling.  It was removed in June, the largest river barrier removal in the UK this year, as part of an ambitious restoration project called Cumbria River Restoration programme. Its removal will allow the river to renaturalise; benefitting both people and wildlife.  It is hoped that it will produce a 44% increase in biodiversity and improve navigation and fish migration as well as reducing the risk of flooding.

On arriving at Cowan Head I was delighted to find a male goosander which performed beautifully for us, even approaching close enough for my 55-200mm lens.  Further on, at Beckmickle Ing, it was interesting to note that more restoration work was being carried out on the old barn and solar panels have now been fitted.  We found a heron in its usual location, hidden in undergrowth and perhaps assuming we couldn't see it.  The dippers were absent from their usual spot, but just before we parted company with the river I heard a bird singing beautifully seeming to come from the river.  Looking closely, I was delighted to pin it down to a dipper on the far bank.  Although I was aware that dippers do sing I would never have heard this without the new hearing aids.  I never did catch up with any grey wagtails, perhaps they have moved to coastal or lowland areas.

Reaching Stavely, it was time for tea and stickies in Wilf's before heading back across the fields to the site, calling in for some photographs at 'The Tree' first.

An excellent day.

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Site of Bowston Weir

Bowston Weir with the Kent in Spate a year ago.

Bowston Weir with the Kent in Spate a year ago.

Goosander

Wax Cap

Wax Cap

The Tree with Stavely and the Kentmere Fells behind.

Lake District, September, Day 6

Having finally woken to a perfect morning and enjoyed sitting outside the van in the sun for a while, we pulled up in the layby on the outskirts of Stavely and set off down the River Kent, one of our favourite walks. Once by the riverside, Heather sat down to draw and paint while I pottered along enjoying taking some long exposure images of some of the small sections of white water and birdwatching at the same time.  As soon as we reached the river we saw grey wagtails, possibly a family group as there were quite a few.  I also found others further down the river.  Herons were standing, statue-like in one or two spots, one being particularly confiding.  I found dipper on the stretch where they held territory both this spring and last year.  Perhaps I will make a more determined effort to photograph them next year.  Near my turn round point I came across a female goosander, unaware she was being observed, fishing; diving and also chasing fish at great speed across the suface.  She seemed almost too large for the river at this point.  Returning to Heather I sat watching a grey wagtail through the binoculars when not one, but two, kinfishers sped through the field of view.  Excellent.  The river at this point looks idyllic for swimming and paddling at this point were it not for the discharge from the local sewage plant just upstream.  It is to be hoped that the sewage is full treated!!

Having enjoyed our walk we retreated to Wilf's in Stavely for lunch and then returned to the caravan to relax for the remainder of the afternoon.  During the evening the sky became more and more clear and at 8.45 we set out to walk up onto the fellside to wait for moon rise.  It was full moon, the Harvest Moon.  We had to wait a short while for it to clear the bank of cloud on the horizon and as it came up it tinted the sky orange like a second sunset.  Finally slipping clear of the cloud, it rose into the sky a huge orange orb.  There was a little cloud around and this was also lit orange by the moonlight.  While the planet is suffering from the ravages of climate change, the universe continues, indifferent to the depredations of our species.  A magical moment.

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