Alpines of the Yorkshire Dales by Peter Kerr

“Alpines of the Yorkshire Dales” is an article which appeared in the Alpine Garden Society journal for September 1970. It describes the wonderful and rare wildflowers which grow in the beautiful landscapes of this part of the North of England, in the area stretching from Skipton in the south, to the River Tees in the north, using historic county boundaries for Yorkshire. It was written by eminent botanist and entomologist E.C.M. (Chris) Haes (1930 - 2014).

Ruth Kerr and I have published a fully illustrated booklet which looks at the changes of the past fifty years with illustrations of the plants and landscapes which Chris Haes described. Lifestyle changes over the past 50 years and the challenges to our fragile plant habitats are beyond anything Chris Haes could ever have envisaged.

Some of the many significant changes and challenges include:-

• greater pressures on Dales habitats through easier road access for millions of people;

• the effects of climate change;

• changed farming techniques and the huge loss of hay meadows;

• social changes in the Dales and the growth of second home ownership with challenges for the local people who remain;

• significant local government reorganisations and extensions to the Yorkshire Dales National Park;

• the huge and growing popularity of day visits to popular beauty spots and participation in day challenges like the Three Peaks Walk;

• the internet revolution and what this has done by spreading and sharing knowledge and information;

• the “Europe” factor , legislative changes, the pandemic, threats such as ash dieback;

But, also - very positively:

• the excellent work of national and local environmental groups to safeguard and enhance Dales landscapes, plants and habitats.

So, how fare the plants? There are many encouragements. Hay meadows are being recreated, trees are being planted, hedgerows renewed, wildflower sites safeguarded and extended by the work of many excellent local organisations. Individual species such as the Lady’s Slipper Orchid are being specifically safeguarded and monitored.

Many other plants deserving special mention as characteristic of the Dales are described and illustrated in the booklet. To mention a few which are being carefully monitored there are Globeflower, Bird’s-Eye Primrose, Early Purple Orchid and Purple Saxifrage, the latter growing on the cliffs of Pen-y-ghent and Ingleborough.

Monitoring and recording of plant data by amateur and professional botanists is so much easier these days thanks to the internet, and the information is readily accessible and shared. Some plants recorded by Chris Haes are in decline, but where possible these are monitored, with site data recorded, and sites safeguarded as part of the extensive network of national and local nature reserves and identified wildlife sites. There is much we can be positive about providing we all play our part.

The booklet costs £7.50 and can be purchased at the Stripey Badger bookshop in Grassington or at the Folly Museum in Settle. A link to the booklet (which is being sold for a famine relief charity) is given below.

https://1drv.ms/b/s!As55iT8N0hsfhdBMPKcyzyu2coTFqg