Delight in the Natural World:- This eco-blog by Judith Allinson features:* Settle Wildflower Walks * The Rainforest Fund * Rainforest Issues * Fundraising Ideas * Nature Conservation * Grasses, Mosses, Lichens and Algae * Settle * St John's Methodist Church and Hall, N Yorks * - Started on 1 Jan 2008
(Scroll down for a video of the singing in the Abbey)
We haven't tropical forest in the UK but we are grateful
that this Parkland exists -
that the magnesian limestone gives rise to a variety of lime loving plants -
that the National Trust who own the Abbey, and the main landowners between Studley Park and Ripon care for nature conservation now.
There was a service at the Cathedral before the pilgrimage - I arrived too late for that this year, but met the people here, near the Tennis Courts opposite the Spa Hotel in Ripon. On the far right you can see the Bishop (with crook) and Dean.
This path used to pass through the open field. Now a hedge has been planted. The white birch trees in the background have all been planted and grown since the walk started. In the foreground there are dead-heads of knapweed a wildflower - perhaps left so it can seed.
Short halt whilst we let others catch up.
At the end of that path near Stuldey there is a big old Small-Leaved Lime tree - see the suckers - It could have been here even before the Monks founded the Abbey in the Abbey in the 1132
The gatehouse at the entrance of Studley Park - (with the relatively new Studley church a head)
The Gatehouse from the other side - and Ripon Cathedral in the distance
At the entrance to Fountains Abbey Grounds we were allowed in free by the National Trust up till 12 o,clock - though donations welcome.
Another third of a mile - Approaching the Abbey. The blue flag with a white rose in it on the right is the Yorkshire Ridings Flag
The sun came out briefly and lit up Huby's Tower - this was one of the latest parts to be built before the dissolution of the Monasteries in 1539
Inside the cellarium (the long low hall where the grain used to be stored) -
people assembled - It was packed.
There were some loudspeakers outside
and we could look in through the windows
Looking in through a window
Making friends at another window -- and looking in ..
We sang carols - and there was a prayer which included thanking God for the beauty of creation and reminding us to remember our responsibility to look after it.
Here is singing at the Abbey:-
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The Bishop of Ripon after the service... and member of congregation drinking the welcome hot punch, (or coffee)
The band
A good view of the Abbey from the River Skell on the way home
Reflect on faith, philosophy and fantastic scenery
with two and four footed furry friends.
2011 is the twenty fifth (ish) pilgrimage from Ripon to Fountains Abbey.
Four miles of mud, greenery, and friendship
to the Abbey, founded by Bendictine (later to become Cistercian) monks in 1132, and dissolved in 1539.
Left: Leaving Ripon,
Right: Passing the ancient Small-Leaved Lime as we approach Studley
Below: Walking in the Studley Park grounds (no deer in sight)
Fungi
Passing Pholiota squarrosa* Scaly-cap
More Pholiota squarrosa* on the other side of the same three
Field Blewit - Lepista saeva* in the grass, amongst beech nut shells
Fungus on Sweet Chestnut tree
Young Velvet-Shank fungus (Flamulina velutipes*) on sweet chestnut tree
This can withstand frost and is edible
This is an Amanita - poisonous, even if the slugs did not think so - with fine white gills, ring and hidden in the beech leaves, a swollen base. This was found near the high western path.
Flowers
Ivy-leaved Toadflax - still in flower on the walls of the Abbey
Ferns
Hart's tongue fern
Feathered Friends
The swans are unperturbed by all the crowds
As are the gulls
And Greylag Geese
The Dogs enjoy the carol service from the outside of the Abbey
And make new friends
Hart's tongue fern
Dogs on and off the walk -
through the avenue of Sweet Chestnut Trees
The younger ones planted fifty years ago after the Big Storm which blew many of the old trees down in 1961
This dog at the footbridge as we returned to the entrance
Look how many breeds we have seen.
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Farewell Fountains Abbey. Come with us again next year 2012!
