Heather as far as the eye can see is the feeling on Spaunton Moor this time of year when the heather is in flower. There is more to Spaunton Moor than that though. This shot looks north-north-west along the valley of Hutton Beck, clearly shown by the lines of bushes in the valley bottom.
In the upper part of the shot is a shelter belt of trees, with a grass area in front, and hidden by a fold in the hill is Spaunton Lodge, a former shooting lodge, which played a significant role in the grouse shooting industry. The lodge has featured before in our project - https://365project.org/fishers/365/2019-08-26
The moor is maintained to maximise the number of grouse it can support. Areas of heather are burned each winter (or cut), to encourage new growth to provide food for the grouse, while the older, taller heather provides shelter. Without the grouse shooting the land would not be maintained and much of the heather would be lost. That doesn't mean that I support grouse shooting, far from it, but those who support banning grouse shooting don't seem to appreciate what a change it would mean for the landscape.
While walking, we could hear the guns of the grouse shooters in the distance - not uncommon this time of year - but I have only seen a grouse shoot close-up on one occasion ( https://365project.org/fishers/365/2019-09-27 ) and I shared some of my thoughts about it then.
Nice to see the colour on the moor. I suppose if the number of grouse is not in decline and the heather keeps growing it could be classed as part of the circle of life.
Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are are very much appreciated.
It is impossible to capture the pleasure of wandering through the heather in a photo. Not only are there beautiful views, but the background sound of bees, and the scent. It is a magical experience.
Ironically, an end to grouse shooting would result in fewer grouse. Many grouse are bred in large sheltered fenced enclosures, often in woodland areas close to the moorland shoot areas, and they are released for the shoots. That breeding would no longer take place. That is in addition to the moorland itself supporting less grouse without the appropriate land maintenance.
Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are are very much appreciated.
It is impossible to capture the pleasure of wandering through the heather in a photo. Not only are there beautiful views, but the background sound of bees, and the scent. It is a magical experience.
Ian
Ironically, an end to grouse shooting would result in fewer grouse. Many grouse are bred in large sheltered fenced enclosures, often in woodland areas close to the moorland shoot areas, and they are released for the shoots. That breeding would no longer take place. That is in addition to the moorland itself supporting less grouse without the appropriate land maintenance.
Ian
Thank you Vesna, it is one of my favourite places to walk when the heather is in flower.
Ian