Between the Lakes

 

Just to the north of Keswick, beyond the dual carriageway of the A66, lies a remnant of the old coach road from Penrith to Cockermouth. This is where we begin our journey, exploring the area between Derwent Water and Bassenthwaite Lake. It's a bit damp today, and Skiddaw is wearing the clouds like a feather boa, but it's not raining. If you're wondering what that expanse of brown is, in the middle distance, it's an osier plantation. But we'll come to that later... unfortunately.

The old coach road crosses Pow Beck, one of many becks that feed Bassenthwaite Lake, along with the river Derwent, which flows in from Derwent Water. Next to this, there used to be a very good campsite, so Ishbel tells me (she, being a repository of all knowledge on Cumbrian campsites). Sadly, it has now been abandoned, and is overgrown with seeding dock. A lonely apple tree sits in the centre, and on a pile of wood chippings, what look to be Common Funnel mushrooms have found the perfect home.

Heading up a little lane, the sheep grazed fields to our left provide perfect conditions for rabblts, whilst the long, tussocky grass to our right is the preferred feeding grounds for pheasants. I have recently acquired a six volume set of Cassells Natural History, published in 1881, and it has this to say on the feeding habits of the common pheasant:

[the pheasant] seeks its food, which consists of grain, seeds, green shoots, and insects, among hedge-bottoms and thickets with long grass and tolerably dense undergrowth; it also affects damp ground and osier beds.

Note the words 'damp ground' and 'osier beds'. The footpath leads us into both. They don't shy away from saying what they mean up here in Cumbria. If your house nestles on the edge of a bog, you call it Bog House (and for those of you who's first language is not English, this is also a euphamism for the lavatory). We emerged from the osier bed with sea boots and a two-toned dog.

Crossing a field, we managed to dislodge about half of the accumulated mud, and emerged onto the old Penrith to Cockermouth railway line. A magnificent Birch Polypore was growing at the base of a silver birch, and nearby, in a discarded plastic bucket, a small amount of rainwater had proved sufficient for some Winter Midges to breed. These are Chironomids, or non-biting midges.

In other news, for those of you who are local, CADS are putting on the hilariously funny

'The Farndale Avenue Townswomen Guild Drama Society's production of A Christmas Carol'

I can say this because I'm not in it, merely making sure you can see it by operating the lights. This Saturday (10th) 2pm and Sunday (11^th) 7pm. Buy your tickets here.

The reason that I have recently acquired a six volume set of Cassells Natural History, published in 1881, is because I have opened up an antiquarian book department in my online shop. A geographical theme this week, but the Cassells will be up for sale later – if I can bear to part with it. Pop in and take a look: Steve's Vintage Collectables – Beautiful Books.

And talking of books...

Beetles and Butterflies; spiders and scorpions; woodlice and worms. How do you tell them all apart? To say nothing of crane flies, dragonflies, bee flies and yet more butterflies. Are they all flies? If not, why call them so? If you're fascinated but confused by the beautiful world of the very small, then this is the book for you. 82 pages of information on all aspects of the world of minibeasts, with over 100 photographs and illustrations, this book will help you track down and identify any arthropod, in its adult or juvenile state, anywhere in the world. See all of my books at author.to/SteveDaniels

All the best,

Steve

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Steve Daniels Cumbria

Canoeing Derwent Water

 

With so much water about in the Lake District, I thought that it was about time that we got out on to it. So, join me out on Derwent Water and we'll look at it through the eyes of a duck, starting out at the northern end where a heron is just coming in to land. As you can see from the inset photo, I am perfectly balanced – it's just the rest of the world that's out of kilter (something I've always suspected).

As we paddle our way south we find a pair of Canada Geese with four goslings. From laying to hatching takes about four weeks and the clutch size can be anywhere between two and nine eggs, with four or five being the norm.

The River Derwent , which passes by my front door, issues forth from Derwent Water and it seems to be well stocked with fish. I think that this one is a Rudd, but it could be a Roach. Rudd are a somewhat darker fish with an upward pointing mouth, as opposed to the silvery Roach with a downward pointing mouth.

We'll leave the canoe now and see if we can find a nice spot on the riverbank for a picnic lunch. It appears to be snowing, but it's just the seeds of the Goat Willows floating in the air. Those lovely, upright pink flowers are Bistort (Bistorta officinalis). The leaves of this, along with oatmeal, onion and nettles, are used to make the traditional northern lenten Dock Pudding. I must have a go at that sometime, although I can't say that it appears very appetising. Still, you never know.

This looks like a good spot, and we have plenty of Common Blue Damselflies (Enallagma cyathigerum), which shows that the water is not polluted with pesticide run-off. This other little insect with the apple green markings is a Sawfly. Yet another fly which isn't a fly. They are HYMENOPTERANS, related to Bees, Ants and Wasps, but unlike the rest of the order, they have no sting. (These are covered on page 42 of The Quick Guide to Creepy-Crawlies which you can view and order by clicking on the link).

And now, time for a sandwich, after all that exercise. For those of you following Minibeast Monday on Steve's Nature Plus, there won't be one next week as we're off to Scotland at the week-end, and won't be back until Monday night, but keep popping in as Harry the Heron appears to have found a girlfriend.

All the best,

Steve 

Steve's Nature Plus

Minibeast Monday * Podcast Tuesday * #CumbriaNature Wednesday * Foraging Friday * and other odd bits as they happen throughout the week.

Steve's Gallery

If you'd like to see some of the pictures in more detail, you'll find them in the gallery. These are also available for prints or digital downloads for commercial or scientific use.

Steve's Books

The Quick Guide to Creepy-Crawlies All you need to know to identify any type of insect, spider, worm or snail very simply and find out more about it. Yvonne: This was a gift for a family so that the children can understand what they see on days out. The second was for me. Logical and easy to use. If you know anyone who likes nature you can be confident that gifting this book will give years of pleasure.
The Eggs of Saramova You can listen to this book for FREE as it is being serialized on the podcast The Author Reads	£7.50 Paperback edition
Not Just For Twisted Women by Steve Daniels  A light-hearted look at life through the eyes of the fairer sex. Janet: If you are short on time but enjoy reading and are maybe not into long extended novels then Not Just For... Twisted Women provides readers with concise stories that stand alone and most certainly entertain with their ultimate twists. Loved it. Helen: A very good read! Well written and entertaining! Margaret: Each quick tale gives a glimpse into a character's life and has an often humorous twist at the end. I would love to read more. Yvonne: These days many people find it hard to find the time to read a novel, so this book of short stories is ideal to dip into. It is also makes a good gift.	£4.99 Paperback edition

Crete Nature Catch-up
Series 1 - Welcome to Lasithi	Series 2 - The Rhythm Of Life	Series 3 - A Journey Begins
Series 4 - The Milonas Valley	Series 5 - This Is Ferma	Series 6 - Upland Villages
Series 7 - The Forty saints	Series 8 - Sunday Strolls	Series 9 -Stormy Weather

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