Apparently, April was the coldest since 1922 and the sunniest on record. I’m writing this in mid May and the leaves have finally burst and the birds are finally nesting, but the cold weather has certainly meant a very late spring. The pied flycatchers have been spotted but are only just starting to nest, they take their cue from the oak buds bursting so that their eggs will hatch at the perfect time to make the most of the juicy caterpillars.
For national limerick day (12 May) I asked my dad, Bob Cooke, for a Dartmoor themed limerick. After I clarified that it had to be clean AND good he came up with this:
Up on Dartmoor are many great tors
Covered over with heather and gorse
But when rivers run high
Under thunder cloud sky
It doesn’t just rain then – it pours!
But I think he might just have been pipped to the post with one from my sister, Tess.
Up on Dartmoor are many fine rivers
Though they’ll quite often give you the shivers When you dip in a toe
Out loud you’ll shout ‘no’
But sheer joy it surely delivers
Thanks to everyone who’s stopped by the second-hand bookshop, either with donations or to make a purchase, it’s much appreciated. The money we raise through the bookshop stays here and can be used to help us look after the gorge. With the help of volunteers, the bookshop is going to stay open every Saturday, 10am-1pm. Once we open the Devil’s Cauldron entrance it’ll be open every day. If you’re having a spring clean and have any donations feel free to drop them into the shop on Saturdays or at the waterfall entrance any day. We’d love books, CDs, puzzles, board games and DVDs (but only those rated PG or U please).
As I mentioned last month, we are planning to re-open more of the gorge walks from mid- June, if government restrictions allow, and we can ensure all the paths are safe. The date is still TBC but the rangers are making good progress.
Opening Times 2021
Waterfall trail
Open all year 10-5* every day
Waterfall Tea-room**
24 March to 31 October 10.30 – 4.30† every day Lydford Gorge trails
1 July to 31 October 10.30 – 5†
* 1 October to 28 February: close 4.
** Devil’s Cauldron tearoom open at peak times
† 1 to 31 October: close 3.30.
Please check our website for up to date information on opening times.
Website: nationaltrust.org.uk/lydford-gorge Facebook: LydfordGorge Instagram: lydford.gorge.nt
Lydford Gorge National Trust, Lydford, Nr Okehampton, Devon, EX20 4BH
Tel: 01822 820320 Number 205846
