More than 20 people from Parwich and Tissington met up in the Bletch Brook Valley with representatives from the National Park, to look at the wild flowers and find out about the elusive water vole.
Some of the best wild flower meadows are owned by Parwich United Charities (see photo below) and wonderfully managed by local farmers who over recent years through positive husbandry have brought back mixed hedgerows and increased the number of flowers dramatically. The reddish brown hue is bentgrass which follows the ridges of the ridge and furrow system in this field. One farm alone in the valley has over 200 mature trees, including 17 different species, this is considered remarkable for such a small area.
Thank you to Lynn Burrow, our local ranger for organising last night’s delightful free walk and to the experts, for their fascinating insight to the area and to all the farmers who look after this valley.
Photos – JaneB & Patti
PARWICH.ORG 
It was unfortunate that this amazing walk clashed with our long established Wakes Children Sports Night. Both children and adults would have enjoyed this easy ramble through our beautiful hay meadows with experts on hand to name every wildflower and grass. I had no idea that the Bletch Brook valley is considered unique in the Peak District and that we had such a wealth of flowers. Although ‘Mr Ratty’ eluded us it was still interesting to hear all about his habitat and what is being done to encourage him to stay. Everyone enjoyed it so much that we have asked for more similar walks.