This Blog covers nature sightings and related news in the Calderdale area.
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Friday 29 June 2018

Saturday's Walk 30th June

Gorpley Clough and Reservoir. Set in the bare wild hills west of Todmorden, this is a beautiful area but is threatened by industrial-scale forestry.

Come and see it before it is scarred forever by the hand of man.

Not that the walk leader is against all trees, but NATURAL NATIVE trees, growing along the water-courses would be aesthetically and ecologically more desirable.

I expect the stumps of  a grove of trees will be visible which grew before the peat formed. The peat shrinks down in very dry years. These trees are recorded also in the name of some nearby rocks, "Shaw Stones", where prehistoric people made cup-marks which can be still seen.

The area is rich in visible archaeological evidence, and is also geologically interesting. One tufa spring is easily seen, and I have found another higher up above the reservoir.

The entrances of old coal mines are now grid-covered to stop children playing in there, where they were once forced to work.

The walk is about 4.5 miles, but with some steep paths and one long flight of steps. We will not be going fast! Picnics will be eaten at the reservoir. Bring insect repellent for inside the woodland! Shorts are not recommended due to ticks.

Meet at 10.30 at the car-park on the left in Bacup Rd. at the bottom of Gorpley Clough OL14 7HL Come along and share your opinions if different from mine. We can have a civilised debate. Everyone has a voice at Halifax Scientific Society events.

Map ref for meeting place SD919236

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