We had a fantastic walk with the RVCWG members this morning. Meeting at Hope Village Hall car
park, the wonderful Caroline led us on a lovely circular walk around the Bentlawnt area starting with
a quiet look at Hope Churchyard. We then ventured over the currently closed A488 into Bank
Coppice with spectacular views across to Stiperstones, where we then stopped to look at dyer’s
greenweed and burnet saxifrage.
We continued the walk towards Santley Farm looking at house martins and swallows along the way
and then at the base of Nick Knolls hill we stopped at a wet area and saw water purslaine and plenty
of meadow grasshoppers. After a nice rest stop at the top of the hill, we then strolled down past The
Batholes towards the brook that runs through Hope Valley where we were treated to a prolonged
display by a golden-ringed dragonfly. We then circled back up the valley and past a few meadows
and made our way back to the car park.
Aside from the lovely wildlife moments and close looks of special plants, it was incredibly interesting
to hear about the history of the Bentlawnt and Hope area as well as to understand local land
ownership and how the farming methods have changed over the years. Caroline was at taking the
lead on the day and very knowledgeable about her local area which enhanced the walk greatly.
