North York Moors CAM
Sunday 23rd April 2000
( sunny spells & warm )
(Grid Ref: 651 159) lie just a short distance west of the village
of Margrove Park ( Magra' Park to locals )
and ¾ of a mile south-west of Boosbeck
The ponds became just a swampy wasteland after the nearby ironstone mines closed in the first half of the 20th century but, fortunately, are now in the care of Cleveland Wildlife Trust. They host a wide range of protected wildlife and a pleasant ½ hour can be spent here enjoying the peace and quiet of what once was a thriving industrial site
There are still
obvious signs of the industrial past - the old shale-heap in the
background is just one reminder
but nature is gradually reclaiming its grip of the land
A few signs warn us to keep away from the deep water . . .
. . . but that
perfectly suits and protects this pair of Mute Swans who are just
building their nest amongst the reeds -
we'll return again in a couple of months time and hopefully photograph them with their young
Mute Swans are
graceful birds but can belie their placid appearance and soon
become quarrelsome and
aggressive towards other species who dare to enter their territory . . .
. . . who would have thought so looking at this beautiful creature . . .
. . . as he patiently patrols his territory
Pussy willow and flowering gorse bask in the late afternoon spring sunshine . . .
. . . as we see evidence of the floods caused by all the recent heavy rain . . .
. . . before reluctantly leaving the ponds until another day
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