Ling is the most common heather to grow on the North York Moors, and here is one of the first small patches beginning to flower at the southern edge of Spaunton Moor.
The colour of this is much paler than the bell heather in yesterday's photo, and at first sight is a little disappointing, but when it comes into full flower and large areas of moorland are covered it looks beautiful - but for now there are just patches.
When the heather comes into full flower, some bee keepers move hives close to the heather and the moor becomes busy with bees.
Hopefully quite soon we will get chance to see the heather in all its colourful summer glory.
I will catch up with commenting on your photos this evening.
How beautiful. I used to love visiting my Nanna in Yorkshire when the heather was flowering. The moors used to look so pretty and Mum always picked a sprig of heather to put on the car for good luck.
Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are very much appreciated.
The heather in flower creates a beautiful colourful landscape. I'm looking forward to seeing it in all its glory in the near future.
Ian
Thank You Kathy. It is lovely when the heather covers the moors in beautiful colour.
Ian