Daffodil Dale: Farndale

Rumour has it that the medieval monks at nearby Rievaulx Abbey planted the daffodil bulbs that carpet the banks of the River Dove at Farndale in the North York Moors each Spring. The wild daffodil is one of our native plants - noticeably smaller and more delicate than the cultivated varieties. These wild daffodils love river banks, grassland and woodland which is exactly the environment they have at Farndale.

The River Dove meanders through a wooded valley here offering partial shade with meadows either side. To see the daffodils in such abundance is a wonderful sight. Earlier this week I rose early and headed up to the there to photograph this glorious annual display.

Funnily enough, one of the last places I visited before last Spring’s lockdown was Farndale. We met friends to walk the ‘daffodil walk’ and have tea and cake at the Daffy Caffy. I don’t think we had any idea how few and far between outings like this would be in 2020. As it happened my recent trip up there was one of the first places I visited once lockdown restrictions were eased. On this occasion I was lucky enough to spot a deer and quick enough to get a photo. Can you spot it looking at me from amongst the daffodils?