Birds of many feathers flock together in the hills and dales around Hebden Bridge
Whether you’re a serious birdwatcher or simply enjoy observing garden birds, there’s a wealth of birdlife in the hills and dales around Hebden Bridge. Because of its hilltop location, Elmet Farmhouse is the perfect place for birdwatching. Surrounded by meadows, with woods and rivers in the valley below and open moorland on the uplands above, there’s an unusually diverse array of species in close proximity.
From golden plovers, lapwings and curlews up on ‘the tops’, to kestrels, swallows and pheasants in the fields, to woodpeckers, tawny owls and treecreepers in the woods and herons, dippers and grey wagtails by the river, there’s great scope for bird-watching in the Upper Calder Valley. These photos record some of the birds we’ve encountered locally in the last few years.
Blue Tits
Barn Owls
Black-headed Gulls
Blackbirds
Buzzards
Canada Geese
Chaffinches
Chiffchaff
Coal Tits
Curlews
Dippers
Dunnock
Fieldfares
Gadwall Ducks
Golden Plovers
Goldfinches
Goosanders
Great Spotted Woodpeckers
Greenfinches
Grey Herons
Grey Wagtails
Greylag Geese
Herring Gulls
House Sparrows
Jackdaws
Jays
Kestrels
Lapwings
Little Owls
Mallard Ducks
Meadow Pipits
Mistle Thrushes
Northern Wheatears
Oystercatchers
Pheasants
Pied Wagtails
Ravens
Red Grouse
Redpolls
Redshanks
Redwings
Reed Buntings
Rooks
Sandpipers
Short-Eared Owls
Siskins
Skylarks
Snipe
Song Thrushes
Starlings
Swallows
Tawny Owls
Treecreepers
Tufted Ducks
Willow Warblers
Wrens
For up to date news about sightings by keen local birdwatchers, visit Calderdale Birds
Heptonstall and Stoodley Pike from Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well
Trees in Pecket Well
Swaledale sheep on Wadsworth Moor above Pecket Well
Swaledale sheep on Wadsworth Moor above Pecket Well
Crimsworth Dean in the fog
Frosty morning in Crimsworth Dean
Woods in Crimsworth Dean
Frozen treescape in Crimsworth Dean
Near Wheat Ing in Crimsworth Dean
Crimsworth Dean
Crimsworth Dean
Frozen beechnuts in Crimsworth Dean
View from Elmet Farmhouse in Pecket Well
Stoodley Pike and Heptonstall with Hardcastle Crags below
Stoodley Pike
Heptonstall
Hardcastle Crags from Wadsworth Moor at sunrise
Stoodley Pike from Wadsworth Moor at sunrise
Trig point at High Brown Knoll on Limer's Gate above Pecket Well
Stoodley Pike from Wadsworth Moor at sunrise
Moon setting, sun rising on Wadsworth Moor
A dusting of snow on Wadsworth Moor near Limer's Gate
Moon setting over Widdop
Slack Heptonstall from Wadsworth Moor
Stoodley Pike and Heptonstall at sunrise
Heptonstall at sunrise
Sunrise on Wadsworth Moor
Widdop Reservoir from Wadsworth Moor
Heptonstall and Stoodley Pike from Wadsworth Moor above Pecket Well
Crimsworth Dean
Full moon over Crimsworth Dean
Full moon rising over Crimsworth Dean
Chapel of St Thomas a Becket in Heptonstall
Chapel of St Thomas a Becket in Heptonstall
Chapel of St Thomas a Becket in Heptonstall
Chapel of St Thomas a Becket in Heptonstall
Chapel of St Thomas a Becket in Heptonstall
Blake Dean in Hardcastle Crags
Hardcastle Crags
Hardcastle Crags
Hardcastle Crags
Hardcastle Crags
Deer in Crimsworth Dean
Stoodley Pike and Heptonstall with Hardcastle Crags below
Dry stone wall near Midgley
Packhorse track above Mytholmroyd
Pheasants at Elmet Farmhouse in Pecket Well
Pheasants at Elmet Farmhouse in Pecket Well
Pheasant
Coaltit
Staups Mill in Jumble Hole Clough
Staups Mill in Jumble Hole Clough
Stone steps in Jumble Hole Clough
Sunrise on Limer's Gate above Pecket Well
Lower Gorple Reservoir from Heptonstall Moor
Fieldfare at Colden
January hikes in the hills and dales around Hebden Bridge and the Upper Calder Valley, a wildlife haven and walkers’ paradise in one of dramatic corners of Yorkshire
Photographs copyright Lesley Jackson and Ian Fishwick
Photographs of the landscape and wildlife in the beautiful Yorkshire hills and dales around Hebden Bridge and the Upper Calder Valley in the South Pennines. A walkers’ paradise in one of dramatic corners of Yorkshire. Nature on the doorstep at Elmet Farmhouse holiday cottage in the village of Pecket Well, near Haworth and the Yorkshire Dales.
October 2019
Drystone walls on the slopes of Crimsworth DeanCrimsworth Dean in the early morning October sunshineMistlethrush in Crimsworth DeanFootpath sign for Wheat Ing in Crimsworth Dean
Spectacular autumn colours in Crimsworth Dean
Autumn foliage in Crimsworth Dean
Beech leaves in Crimsworth Dean
Autumn foliage in Crimsworth Dean
Overgrown dam in Crimsworth Dean
Path through the woods in Crimsworth Dean
Crimsworth Dean Beck in full flow
Walking through the woods in Crimsworth Dean
Autumn colours by one of the dams in Crimsworth Dean
Crimsworth Dean
Crimsworth Dean
Spectacular autumn colours in Crimsworth Dean
Crimsworth Dean
Crimsworth Dean
Crimsworth Dean
Autumn colours in Crimsworth Dean near Midgehole
Autumn in Crimsworth Dean below Shackleton Hill
Beech trees in Pecket Well Clough
Beech trees in Pecket Well Clough
Packhorse track through Pecket Well Clough
Bracken in the woods in Pecket Well Clough
Looking down on Hardcastle Crags from Pecket Well War Memorial
Pecket Well War Memorial, Heptonstall Church and Stoodley Pike
Beech wood in Crimsworth Dean
Vibrant autumn colours in Crimsworth Dean
Steep-sided slopes of inCrimsworth Dean
Blazing autumn colours at Wheat Ing inCrimsworth Dean
Crimsworth Dean Beck from packhorse bridge at Wheat Ing
Trees spilling over dam in Crimsworth Dean
Autumn colours by the dam in Crimsworth Dean
Path through Crimsworth Dean
Woodland path through Crimsworth Dean
Overgrown dam in Crimsworth Dean
Fallen trees and spectacular autumn beech leaves in Crimsworth Dean
Autumn foliage in Crimsworth Dean
Early morning autumn sunrise from Limers Gate on Wadsworth Moor above Pecket Well
An autumn walk at Fountain's Abbey
A day out at Fountain's Abbey, near Ripon
Fountain's Abbey
Fountain's Abbey
Deer park at Studley Royal, near Ripon
Late afternoon sunshine on autumn foliage by the lake at Studley Royal
Scout Hall in Shibden Dale near Halifax
Wooded valley floor in Shibden Dale
Dramatic landscape in Shibden Dale, near Shibden Hall, Halifax, home of 'Gentleman Jack'
Lovely autumn colours in Shibden Dale near Halifax
Mellow autumn hues in Shibden Dale
Shibden Dale
Hardcastle Crags near Hebden Bridge
Hebden Water in Hardcastle Crags
Autumn foliage by Hebden Water in Hardcastle Crags
Autumn foliage by Hebden Water in Hardcastle Crags
Beech trees in Hardcastle Crags
The ravine-like gorge of Hardcastle Crags
Auturmn colours in the National Trust estate of Hardcastle Crags
October is the time for fungi in Hardcastle Crags
Racing river in Hardcastle Crags
Autumn foliage in Hardcastle Crags
Weir on Hebden Water in Hardcastle Crags
View from the top of 'the Crags' in Hardcastle Crags
Rocky outcrops in Hardcastle Crags
View from the top of Hardcastle Crags
Autumn oak leaves in Hardcastle Crags
'The Crags' in Hardcastle Crags
View from 'the Crags' in the National Trust estate of Hardcastle Crags
Waterfall in Hardcastle Crags
Walking through the autumn bracken in Hardcastle Crags
Graining Water at Blake Dean in Hardcastle Crags
Looking down on Blake Dean in Hardcastle Crags
Autumn colours in Blake Dean in Hardcastle Crags
View from Widdop Gate near Blake Dean in Hardcastle Crags
Blake Dean in Hardcastle Crags
Autumn foliage in Hardcastle Crags
Hebden Water in Hardcastle Crags
Autmn in Hardcastle Crags
Pockets of mist in Crimsworth Dean with Stoodley Pike beyond
Pockets of autumn mist in Crimsworth Dean
Lumb Falls in Crimsworth Dean
Lumb Falls 'roaring' after heavy rain
Lumb Falls in Crimsworth Dean
Mist clearing below Pecket Well
View from Elmet Farmhouse with Heptonstall obscured by the mist
Stone-paved packhorse track up through the woods near Mideghole
Riverside path through Crimsworth Dean
Dam in Crimsworth Dean
Sheep grazing in the meadow at Elmet Farmhouse in Pecket Well
Crimsworth Dean Beck from packhorse bridge at Wheat Ing
Fabulous fungi in Crimsworth Dean
Crimsworth Dean Beck near Midegehole
Crimsworth Dean Beck after heavy rain
Fungi in Crimsworth Dean
Fungi in Crimsworth Dean
Fungi in Crimsworth Dean
Fungi in Crimsworth Dean
Fungi in Crimsworth Dean
Stoodley Pike on Langfield Edge
Stoodley Pike and Heptonstall from Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well
Stoodley Pike with Pecket Well Clough in the valley
Splendid autumn view from Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well
Pastoral scene in Crimsworth Dean
Stoodley Pike from Grain Farm in Crimsworth Dean
Footpath sign in Crimsworth Dean
Thrush feasting on rowan berries in Crimsworth Dean
Early morning autumn sunshine in Crimsworth Dean
Crimsworth Dean
Autumn foliage in Crimsworth Dean
Old Town Mill from Crimsworth Dean
Autumn in Crimsworth Dean
Hebden Dale near Hardcastle Crags
Glorious autumn foliage in Hebden Dale
Autumn foliage in Pecket Well Clough
Packhorse track through Pecket Well Clough
Full-flowing stream in Pecket Well Clough
Pecket Well Clough
Waterfalls in Pecket Well Clough
Kitling Bridge in Pecket Well Clough
Steep-sided narrow valley of Pecket Well Clough below Elmet Farmhouse
View from Walshaw Moor towards Heptonstall Moor
Frosty morning at Blake Dean in Hardcastle Crags
Frosty morning at Blake Dean in Hardcastle Crags
Frosty morning at Blake Dean in Hardcastle Crags
Stunning autumn colours at Blake Dean in Hardcastle Crags
Autmn at Blake Dean in Hardcastle Crags
Graining Water at Blake Dean in Hardcastle Crags
Blake Dean in Hardcastle Crags
Blake Dean in Hardcastle Crags
Bridge over Alcomden Water at Blake Dean in Hardcastle Crags
Alcomden Water at Blake Dean in Hardcastle Crags
Frosty bracken on a crisp autumn morning at Blake Dean in Hardcastle Crags
Autumn colours in Hardcastle Crags
Waterfall in Hardcastle Crags
Bridge across Hebden Water in Hardcastle Crags
Hebden Water in Hardcastle Crags
Hebden Water in Hardcastle Crags
Hebden Water in Hardcastle Crags
Hebden Water in Hardcastle Crags
Hebden Water in Hardcastle Crags
Autumn in Hardcastle Crags
Hardcastle Crags
Vibrant autumn hues in Hardcastle Crags
Spectacular autumn colours in Hardcastle Crags
Blue sky in Hardcastle Crags
Autmn foliage in Hardcastle Crags
Golden autumn in Hardcastle Crags
Autumn sunshine in Hardcastle Crags
The National Trust woodland of Hardcastle Crags
Autumn splendour in Hardcastle Crags
Chaffinch in Hardcastle Crags
Trees on bank above former railway track in Hardcastle Crags
Trees above former railway track in Hardcastle Crags
Astonishing autumn colours near Blake Dean in Hardcastle Crags
Burning bush near Blake Dean in Hardcastle Crags
Hardcastle Crags from Widdop Gate
Stoodley Pike and Heptonstall from Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well
The ancient village of Heptonstall
Crisp autumn morning on Liimers Gate above Pecket Well
Wilcock Dam above Pecket Well, a short walk from Elmet Farmhouse
View towards Gorple and Widdop from Wadsworth Moor above Pecket Well
Spectacular panoramic view of Stoodley Pike and Heptonstall from Elmet Farmhouse
Glorious autumn colours in Hardcastle Crags below Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well
Wilcock Dam above Pecket Well
Blue sky and clouds reflected in Wilcock Dam above Pecket Well
Beautiful autumn colours in the woods in Crimsworth Dean
Beautiful autumn colours in the woods in Crimsworth Dean
Shackleton Hill across Crimsworth Dean
Beautiful autumn colours in the woods in Crimsworth Dean
View towards Heptonstall over Hardcastle Crags from Pecket Well War Memorial
View over Hardcastle Crags from Pecket Well War Memorial
Bracken-covered hillside above Hardcastle Crags
Autumn colours in the woods above Hardcastle Crags
Autumn colours in the woods above Hardcastle Crags
Autumn colours in the National Trust estate of Hardcastle Crags
Autumn colours in the National Trust estate of Hardcastle Crags
Autumn colours in the National Trust estate of Hardcastle Crags
Photographs copyright Lesley Jackson
September 2019
View from Elmet Farmhouse with Stoodley Pike and Heptonstall above river of mistView from Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well with river of mist Heptonstall village on the hill with swathes of mist below in Hardcastle CragsHeptonstall church disappearing in the mist but Stoodley Pike still prominent The famous river of mist at Elmet Farmhouse in Pecket Well above Hebden Bridge Crimsworth Dean Beck from the old packhorse bridge Wheat Ing in Crimsworth DeanView across Hardcastle Crags from WalshawJacob sheep in Crimsworth DeanDunnock in Crimsworth DeanDunnock in Crimsworth DeanRoe deer peeping our from behind a tree in Crimsworth DeanLarge gritstone boulders by Limers Gate on Wadsworth Moor above Pecket WellWilcock Dam above Pecket Well MillPecket Well Clough near Kitling BridgeStream in spate in Pecket Well Clough after heavy rainWaterfalls in Pecket Well Clough, a short walk from Elmet FarmhouseThe stream becomes a river in Pecket Well Clough after heavy rainKitling Bridge on the packhorse track through Pecket Well CloughThe hidden ravine of Pecket Well Clough in the woods below Elmet FarmhouseMist in Crimsworth Dean beyond Pecket Well War MemorialWraiths of mist in Crimsworth DeanOld Town Mill chimney above the mist in Crimsworth DeanHebden Water in Hardcastle CragsStoodley Pike and Heptonstall from Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well on a fine September day Stoodley Pike in the September sunshine on Langfield EdgeHeptonstall village perched on the hill opposite from Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well View across the hay meadow at Elmet Farmhouse with Heptonstall and Stoodley Pike on the tops and Hardcastle Crags in the valley
Photographs copyright Lesley Jackson
August 2019
Willow warbler feeding on hogweed in the meadow at Elmet Farmhouse Willow warbler feeding on hogweed in the meadow at Elmet Farmhouse Willow warbler feeding on hogweed in the meadow at Elmet Farmhouse Small Tortoiseshell butterfly in the herbaceous border at Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well above Hebden Bridge Small Copper butterfly in the meadow at Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well above Hebden Bridge Small Copper butterfly in the meadow at Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well above Hebden BridgePainted Lady butterfly in the meadow at Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well above Hebden BridgeSpeckled Wood butterfly on the brackenColden Water in Colden Clough near Heptonstall Waterfall on Colden Water in Colden Clough near Heptonstall Hebble Hole bridge on Colden Water in Colden Clough near Heptonstall on the Pennine Way Hebble Hole bridge on Colden Water in Colden Clough near Heptonstall on the Pennine WayLuddenden Dean with heather in bloomMagnificent expanse of heather up on Midgley MoorHeather and bracken on the upper slopes of Luddenden DeanReservoir with heather blooming above Luddenden DeanDamselfly on reservoir above Luddenden Dean Heather in bloom on the banks of the reservoir above Luddenden Dean Heather in bloom on the banks of the reservoir above Luddenden Dean Heather in bloom on the banks of the reservoir above Luddenden Dean Heather, bilberries and bracken on the upper slopes above Luddenden Dean Bilberries galore on the moor above Luddenden Dean Climbing up to Great Edge above Widdop Reservoir Great Edge above Widdop ReservoirOne great step for man…One great leap for mankind… on Great Edge above Widdop Reservoir Rocky gritstone outcrops on Great Edge above Widdop ReservoirLooking along Great Edge above Widdop Reservoir Looking up to Great Edge from Widdop Reservoir Weathered craggy rock formations on Great Edge above Widdop Reservoir Billowing clouds above Great EdgeHeather and bracken on Great Edge above Widdop Reservoir Gorple Reservoir with heather on the hills above
Photographs copyright Lesley Jackson
July 2019
View over the hay meadow at Elmet Farmhouse in Pecket Well above Hebden BridgeStoodley Pike and Heptonstall with Hardcastle Crags in the valley belowStoodley Pike and Heptonstal on hte horizon opposite Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket WellHeptonstall villageStoodley Pike on the Pennine Way above Hebden BridgeRoe deer doe and her two young kids in the hay meadow at Elmet FarmhouseRoe deer in the long grass at dusk at Elmet FarmhouseView through the veronicastrums in the garden at Elmet FarmhouseGreenfinch in the garden at Elmet FarmhouseGreenfinch feeding on hte hardy geranium seedsFemale house sparrow at Elmet FarmhouseWilcock Dam above Pecket Well reflecting blue skyGolden plover chick on Wadsworth Moor making its plaintive cheeping criesBeautiful plumage of golden plover on Limers Gate above Pecket WellHare lolloping along track above Pecket WellHare in the early morning sunshine above Pecket WellHare in field below Wadsworth Moor Fledgling meadow pipit in Crimsworth DeanFledgling swallow at Laithe Farm in Crimsworth DeanSoft downy feather of newly fledged swallow in Crimsworth DeanFledgling swallow sitting on a gate at Laithe Farm in Crimsworth DeanJuvenile pied wagtail in Crimsworth Dean Looking along Crimsworth Dean from near Grain Water BridgePatchwork of fields in Crimsworth Dean Haymaking in Crimsworth DeanSummer sunshine on Crimsworth DeanFoxlgove on the hillside above wooded valley in Crimsworth DeanFirst sighting of a siskin in Crimsworth DeanSiskin in Crimsworth DeanFoxglvoes in Crimsworth DeanReed buntinh perched on a foxglove in Crimsworth DeanBracken-covered slopes of Crimsworth Dean
Heron in the early morning sunshine in Crimsworth DeanFlowering grasses by a drystone wall at WalshawRipening hay meadow at Elmet Farmhouse in Pecket Well above Hebden BridgeMeadow grasses in the hay meadow at Elmet FarnhouseMeadow grasses in the traditional hay meadow at Elmet FarmhouseBarn owl hunting over the hay meadow at Elmet FarmhousePicture perfect summer’s day at Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well above Hebden BridgeWhite hay meadow contrasting with the dark green foliage of the woods in Hardcastle CragsRoe deer family in the long grass of the hay meadow at Elmet FarmhouseRoe deer doe with her two kids in toe in the meadow at Elmet FarmhouseSwirl of mist in Hardcastle CragsCrimsworth Dean from near NookSheep in Crimsworth Dean50 shades green in Crimsworth DeanLane from Nook up onto Walshaw Moor above Crimsworth DeanRuined farmhouse at Coppy above Crimsworth DeanLittle owl in Crimsworth DeanDrystone walls on Walshaw MoorCattle in hilltop meadows at Walshaw above Hardcastle Crags after the hay has been cutSheep above Crimsworth Dean
Photographs copyright Lesley Jackson and Ian Fishwick
June 2019
River of Mist below Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well at 9pm on 9 June 2019 River of Mist below Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well at 9pm on 9 June 2019 Little owl in Crimsworth Dean, a wildlife haven in the dale near Elmet FarmhouseWillow warbler amongst the bracken in Crimsworth Dean Willow warbler amongst the bracken in Crimsworth Dean, one of many different types of birds in this beautiful valley near Elmet FarmhouseView from Grain Farm in Crimsworth Dean, a short walk from Elmet FarmhouseThe colours in the sky and in the valley are equally strikingRedshank perched on a wall on the moorLanky long-legged redshank, one of many ground-nesting birds on the moorsYellow-breasted Grey Wagtail by the riverGoosander on Hebden Water in Hardcastle CragsGoosander with a bevy of ducklings heading upstreamEarly evening midsummer view from Elmet Farmhouse with Stoodley Pike and Heptonstall on the horizon Skylark singing on Wadsworth Moor above Pecket WellGolden plover near Limers Gate on Wadworth Moor Golden plover chick emitting its poignant peeping cry on Wadsworth Moor above Elmet FarmhouseA lovely spring morning in Crimsowrth Dean, looking along the valley towards the distant monument of Stoodley PikeGraining Water at Blake Dean, Hardcastle CragsHebden Water at Blake Dean in Hardcastle CragsView from Widdop Gate towards Blake Dean, Hardcastle CragsRoe deer buck with antlers on Shackleton Hill above Hardcastle CragsMeadow pipit in Crimsworth Dean, one of the most common birds on the fringes of the moor near Elmet FarmhouseGlorious summer view over the hay meadow at Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well with Heptonstall and Stoodley Pike in the distanceView of Elmet Farmhouse from the hay meadowVegetable gardn and herbaceous border in front of the barn next to Elmet FarmhouseView from the dining terrace at Elmet FarmhouseCottage garden at Elmet Farmhouse brimming with flowersView from Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well on a beautiful summer’s afternoon at the end of JuneRacing pigones lined up on the roof of their loft on Shackleton Hill above Hardcastle CragsGolden plover chick with beauitful iridescent plumage peeping plaintively on Wadsworth MoorCurlew perched on a wall against a backdrop of buttercupsSandpiper, another long-beaker wader which heads inland to the Yorkshire moors to breedFluffy Sandpiper chick camouflaged against the rocks on the river bankView of Hardcastle Crags from Blake Dean near Widdop GateBlake Dean at the top end of Hardcastle Crags, with Hebden Water at the bottom of the steep-sided valleySculptural sandstone stack above Alcomden Water near Blake Dean in Hardcastle CragsSheep sheltering under a tree next to track above Alcomden Water near Hardcastle CragsFour views of a vociferous lapwing chicknear Walshaw Reservoir at Walshaw DeanSandpiper on the rocky banks of Walshaw Reservoir at Walshaw DeanHigh-stepping Greylag Goose on the banks of Walshaw Reservoir in Walshaw DeanGreylag duckling dipping its toe in the water at Walshaw Reservoir in Walshaw Dean View from Walshaw towards Blake Dean along Hardcastle Crags
Photos copyright Lesley Jacksonand Ian Fishwick
May 2019
Wild garlic and bluebells in Crimsworth Dean, a short walk from Elmet FarmhouseThe ‘secret’ valley of Crimsworth Dean just below Elmet FarmhouseCrimsworth Beck in Crimsworth DeanSun-drenched bluebells in Crimsworth DeanDry stone wall near Wheat Ing in Crimsworth DeanHeron in Crimsworth DeanPecket Well War Memorial on Smeekin Hill with Heptonstall Church and Stoodley PikeBluebells in Hardcastle Crags near Hebden BridgeBluebells in Hardcastle Crags near Hebden Bridge Bluebells in Hardcastle Crags near Hebden Bridge Bluebells in Hardcastle Crags near Hebden Bridge Bluebells in Hardcastle Crags near Hebden Bridge Bluebells in Hardcastle Crags near Hebden Bridge Bluebells in Hardcastle Crags near Hebden Bridge Bluebells in Hardcastle Crags near Hebden Bridge Bluebells in Hardcastle Crags near Hebden Bridge Bluebells in Hardcastle Crags near Hebden Bridge Bluebells in Hardcastle Crags near Hebden Bridge Curlew on Wadsworth Moor above Pecket Well, a short walk from Elmet FarmhouseCurlew on Wadsworth Moor above Pecket Well Roe deer in Crimsworth Dean near Elmet FarmhouseView over hay meadow at Elmet Farmhouse in Pecket Well Bluebells in Hardcastle CragsBluebells in Hardcastle Crags Bluebells in Hardcastle Crags Bluebells in Hardcastle Crags Bluebells in Hardcastle Crags Bluebells in Hardcastle Crags Bluebells in Hardcastle Crags Bluebells in Hardcastle Crags Bluebells in Hardcastle Crags Bluebells in Hardcastle Crags Bluebells in Hardcastle Crags Bluebells in Hardcastle Crags ‘The Crags’ in the National Trust estate of Hardcastle Crags Hardcastle Crags View from ‘The Crags’ at Hardcastle Crags Gibson Mill in Hardcastle CragsHebden Water in Hardcastle Crags Hebden Water in Hardcastle Crags Bluebells at Wddop Gate above Hardcastle Crags View from Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well above Hebden Bridge View from Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well with Heptonstall and Stoodley PikeView from Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well with Heptonstall and Stoodley Pike Pecket Well Clough below Elmet FarmhouseCrimsworth Dean near Elmet Farmhouse Skylark with insect in its beak on Wadsworth Moor above Pecket WellSkylark with insect in its beak on Wadsworth Moor above Pecket Well Skylark with insect in its beak on Wadsworth Moor above Pecket Well View from Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well with Heptonstall and Stoodley Pike View from Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well with Heptonstall and Stoodley Pike Golden Plover chick near Limers Gate on Wadsworth Moor above Pecket Well Golden Plover chick near Limers Gate on Wadsworth Moor above Pecket Well Lapwing above Pecket WellStaups Mill in Jumble Hole Clough near Hebden BridgeStaups Mill in Jumble Hole Clough near Hebden Bridge Jumble Hole Clough near Hebden Bridge Jumble Hole Clough near Hebden Bridge View from Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well with Heptonstall and Stoodley Pike View from Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well with Heptonstall and Stoodley Pike Curlew in Crimsworth Dean Curlew in Crimsworth Dean Curlew in Crimsworth Dean Curlew in Crimsworth Dean View from Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well with Hardcastle Crags in the valley belowCrimsworth DeanPied wagtail in Crimsworth Dean Pied wagtail in Crimsworth Dean Pied wagtail in Crimsworth Dean Pied wagtail in Crimsworth Dean View from Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well with Hardcastle Crags below and Heptonstall and Stoodley Pike on the horizon View from Elmet Farmhouse with Heptonstall on the horizon View from Elmet Farmhouse with Pecket Well War Memorial above Hardcastle Crags Colden Water in Colden Clough near HeptonstallHebble Hole Bridge over Colden Water in Colden Clough near Heptonstall Red campion in Colden Clough near Heptonstall Heptonstall Church from Colden CloughWild flower meadow near Heptonstall above Hebden Bridge
Photographs copyright Lesley Jackson and Ian Fishwick
April 2019
Pair of new-born lambs at Shackleton above above Hardcastle Crags \New-born lambs in early April at Walshaw above Hardcastle CragsWalshaw Dean ReservoirBleached moorland grass on the banks of Walshaw Dean ReservoirCourting curlews at Walshaw above Hardcastle CragsCurlew close-ups – spindly legs and rapier-like beakNorthern Wheatear in Crimsworth DeanLapwing above Crimsworth Dean displaying its delicate crestForked crest of lapwing A trio of oystercatchers at Leeshaw Reservoir near Oxenhope on the Haworth Old RoadOystercatchers with their impressive long leg beaks and red eyesMeadow pipit perched on barbed wire in Crimsworth DeanLeafless trees in Hardcastle Crags View from Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well in early April with Stoodley Pike and Heptonstall on the horizonLower Gorple Reservoir from the moorland above on the Pennine Bridleway to ColdenStanding stone above Lower Gorple ReservoirCrimsworth Dean from Grain Farm with Stoodley Pike in the distanceNew season lambsLimers Gate above Pecket Well in Easter heatwaveSwaledale sheep on Wadsworth Moor above Pecket WellSwaledale sheep with lambs on Wadsworth Moor above Pecket Well, as hort walk from Elmet FarmhouseView from Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well with Hardcastle Crags in the valley overlooked by Heptonstall with Stoodley Pike beyondReservoir above Luddenden DeanOn the banks of the reservoirs above Luddenden DeanFrosty April morning at Elmet Farmhouse in Pecket Well above Hebden BridgeStoodley Pike looking majestic perched above the Calder ValleyHeptonstall from Pecket Well War Memorial with Hardcastle Crags just starting to green upMeadow pipit on Wadsworth Moor above Pecket WellPony in the field at Pecket Well near Elmet FarmhouseBlackthorn in bloom in Pecket WellWild garlic in the woods in Crimsworth DeanCrimsworth Dean in the April sunshineCrimsworth Dean near Wheat IngCrimsworth Dean near Abel CoteLooking towards Stoodley Pike from Shackleton Hill across Hardcastle CragsNew season lambs near WalshawMallard with ducklings at Walshaw above Hardcastle CragsA clutch of mallard ducklings at Wilcock Dam above Pecket WellLooking across Hardcastle Crags from Walshaw with leaves coming out on the treesBleached moorland grass above WalshawView from Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well above Hebden Bridge with leaves coming out on the treesStanding stone on Wadsworth MoorMound of stones on Wadsworth MoorNorthern Wheatear on Wadsworth MoorSkylark on Wadsworth MoorThe first bluebells in Hardcastle Crags in late AprilRocky outcrops in the woods in Hardcastle CragsOld packhorse track running up the hillside in Hardcastle Crags
Photographs copyright Lesley Jackson and Ian Fishwick
March 2019
Crimsworth Dean, a short walk from Elmet FarmhouseCrimsworth Dean looking along the valley from near Grain Water BridgeCrimsworth Dean with a dusting of snow on the hillsideRoe deer in Crimsworth Dean near Elmet FarmhouseThe first lambs of the year above Hebden BridgeNew-born lamb on the hillside below Stoodley PikeStarling hitching a ride on the back of a sheep near Horsehold above Hebden BridgeMurmuration of starlings near Stone Booth Farm in Crimsworth Dean
ChaffinchLapwing newly returned to breed on the moorland above Crimsworth DeanOystercatchers on a wall at Walshaw Dean Reservoit above Hardcastle CragsA copse of trees ringed by a drystone wall at WalshawCrimsworth DeanCrimsworth Dean in the March sunshineView from Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well with snow on the tops at Stoodley Pike Early daffodils at Elmet FarmhouseA host of golden daffodils at Elmet FarmhouseForsythia in full bloom at Elmet FarmhouseGrass greening up in the meadow at Elmet Farmhouse with Heptonstall and Stoodley Pike on the horizon
Photographs copyright Lesley Jackson and Ian Fishwick
February 2019
Stoodley Pike from Deer Stones Edge above Pecket WellPath across Wadsworth Moor from Deer Stones Edge to Luddenden DeanVentilation shaft for underground watercourse running beneath Wadsworth Moor carrying water from Widdop Reservoir to HalifaxSnow on Wadsworth Moor between Pecket Well and Luddenden DeanLuddenden Dean from Wadsworth MoorSnow on dry stone wall above Luddenden DeanFrozen reservoir above Luddenden Dean Frozen reservoir above Luddenden Dean Tree shadows reflected in the ice of frozen reservoir above Luddenden Dean Luddenden Dean looking towards Castle Carr Frozen reservoir above Luddenden Dean photographed from opposite corner‘We Two Together’: our shadows silhouetted in the frozen reservoir above Luddenden Dean Second reservoir above Luddenden Dean, fuller and only partially frozen Ice flow on reservoir above Luddenden Dean Ice flow on reservoir above Luddenden Dean Patterns in the ice on reservoir above Luddenden Dean Sun on the snowy hillside near Stoodley PikeStoodley Pike with pattern of drystone walls in the snow photographed from above Old TownDrystone walls and trees on snowy hillside above Hebden BridgeVew from Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well in the snow with Stoodley Pike and HeptonstallStoodley Pike from Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well in the snowHeptonstall above Hebden Bridge in the snowStoodley Pike and the hilltop village of Heptonstall above Hebden Bridge in the snowPecket Well in the snow from Plumpton FarmView from Deer Stone Edge above Pecket Well with Heptonstall in the distanceSwaledale sheep on snowy hillside above Horsehold and Hebden BridgeHardy Swaledale sheep in the snow near Stoodley PikeSnowscape with rushes en route to Stoodley PikeThe ascent to Stoodley Pike via the Pennine Way from Hebden BridgeView towards Pecket Well from Pennine Way leading up to Stoodley PikeRows of drystone walls slicing through the snow above Horsehold and Hebden BridgeDrytstone walls near Stoodley PikeView towards Todmorden from the summit at Stoodley Pike Wainsgate Baptist Chapel, Old Town near Hebden Bridge Graveyard at Wainsgate Baptist Chapel, Old Town near Hebden BridgeHardcastle Crags from Akroyd Lane between Pecket Well and Old Town above Hebden BridgeSnowy vista from Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well with Stoodley Pike and HeptonstallA beautiful gate in Pecket Well after heavy snowRiver of Mist from Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well with Stoodley Pike and Heptonstall River of Mist in Hardcastle Crags with Stoodley Pike and Heptonstall floating above Stoodley Pike with River of Mist in Pecket Well CloughSwathes of mist on the hillside above Hebden Bridge below Stoodley PikeMist drifting through Pecket Well Clough after freezing fogRiver of Mist in Pecket Well Clough below Elmet Farmhouse with Stoodley Pike on the horizonStoodley Pike and Heptonstall Church floating above River of Mistin Hardcastle CragsRiver of mist below Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well above Hebden Bridge on 5 February 2019Church in Saltaire village UNESCO World Heritage Site Salt’s Mill in Saltaire village UNESCO World Heritage Site Salt’s Mill in Saltaire village UNESCO World Heritage Site Salt’s Mill in Saltaire village UNESCO World Heritage Site Salt’s Mill in Saltaire village UNESCO World Heritage Site Blake Dean, Hardcastle Crags Blake Dean, Hardcastle Crags Winter beech trees in Hardcastle Crags National Trust estate near Hebden Bridge Winter trees in Hardcastle Crags National Trust estate near Hebden Bridge Sheep in Crimsworth Dean Sunny February morning in Crimsworth Dean Early morning mist in Crimsworth Dean Early morning mist in Crimsworth Dean with Old Town Mill on hillsideThrush in Crimsworth Dean near Hebden BridgeSheep grazing at Grain Farm in Crimsworth DeanKestrel in Crimsworth Dean near Elmet Farmhouse holiday cottageCrimsworth Dean with Haworth Old Road ascending Stairs at the end Grain Farm and Cross Ends in Crimsworth DeanLooking towards Widdop from Walshaw Moor Looking towards Widdop from Walshaw Moor Trees near Walshaw Lodge above Hardcastle CragsView across Hardcastle Crags from WalshawTreeline above Hardcastle Crags from Walshaw Donkeys at Abel Cote Farm in Crimsworth Dean Donkeys at Abel Cote Farm in Crimsworth Dean Goat at Abel Cote Farm in Crimsworth Dean Goat at Abel Cote Farm in Crimsworth Dean Mist rising on a warm February morning in Crimsworth Dean Mist on the hilltop meadows above Crimsworth Dean Stoodley Pike from Crimsworth DeanSheep near Grain Water Bridge in Crimsworth Dean Sheep in Crimsworth Dean First lapwings of the season newly arrived at Thurrish in Crimsworth Dean First lapwings of the season newly arrived at Thurrish in Crimsworth Dean Dunnock in Crimsworth Dean Starlings in Crimsworth Dean View from Deer Stones Edge across Wadsworth Moor Misty morning on Deer Stones Edge across Wadsworth Moor Greylag geese on Wilcock Dam above Pecket WellLonk sheep on farm above Pecket Well Highland Cattle near Plumpton Farm above Pecket Well View from Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well above Hebden Bridge Stoodley Pike and Heptonstall from Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well Stoodley Pike and Heptonstall in the early morning sunshinePheasant at Elmet Farmhouse, Pecket Well above Hebden BridgePheasant with stunning plumage
Photographs copyright Lesley Jacksonand Ian Fishwick
Photographs copyright Lesley Jackson and Ian Fishwick
January 2019
View from Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well above Hebden Bridge on a frosty January morningStoodley Pike and Heptonstall with Hardcastle Crags in the valley belowThe ancient village of Heptonstall on the hilltop opposite Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket WellStoodley Pike monument to the Battle of Waterloo on Langfield Edge above Hebden BridgeTurneresque sunrise with moon sinking over Wadsworth MoorA dusting of snow on Wadsworth Moor above Pecket Well Sunrise over Stoodley Pike from Deer Stones Edge on Wadsworth Moor above Pecket Well Sunrise at High Brown Knoll on Limers Gate on Wadsworth Moor at Pecket WellSnowy view across Wadsworth Moor towards Widdop at sunrise View across Hardcastle Crags to Slack Heptonstall from Wadsworth Moor above Pecket WellStoodley Pike and Heptonstall from Wadsworth Moor above Pecket WellSnow-dusted Heptonstall village bathed in pink early morning sunshineLimers Gate on Wadsworth Moor above Pecket Well at sunrise Lower Gorple Reservoir from Heptonstall MoorFieldfare at Colden near HeptonstallCoal tit on birdfeeder by the Rochdale Canal near Hebden BridgeFour pheasants on the wall at Elmet Farmhouse in Pecket Well above Hebden BridgeWinter view from Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well with Heptonstall Church and Stoodley Pike on the horizon above Hardcastle Crags Roe deer grazing on the hillside in Crimsworth Dean near Hardcastle CragsRoe deer in Crimsworth DeanRuins of Staups Mill in Jumble Hole Clough below Blackshaw HeadRemains of Staups Mill, an early 19th century textile mill in Jumble Hole Clough Stone steps up steep hillside in Jumble Hole Clough, one of the spurs off the Calder Upper Valley Beautifully crafted dry stone wall on the hillside above MytholmroydAncient packhorse track bounded by dry stone walls on the hillside above MytholmroydSunny winter’s morning at Blake Dean in Hardcastle CragsHebden Water running through the National Trust estate of Hardcastle Crags Shadows cast by leafless trees in the winter sunshine in Hardcastle CragsChapel of St Thomas a Becket next to Church of St Thomas the Apostle in Heptonstall13th century Chapel of St Thomas a Becket in Heptonstall with tower dating from 15th centuryInside the ruins of the Chapel of St Thomas a Becket in the ancient village of Heptonstall Chapel of St Thomas a Becket in Heptonstall dating back to the 13th centuryThe grave of poet Sylvia Plath in Heptonstall Churchyard, with a posy of fresh flowers from the garden at Elmet Farmhouse on 17 January 2019Crimsworth Dean in January with Stoodley Pike on the far horizonCrimsworth Dean at dusk with full moon risingFull moon over Crimsworth DeanSnowy panorama from Elmet Farmhouse at Pecket Well on 30 January 2019Snow-covered trees at Elmet Farmhouse in Pecket WellElmet Farmhouse – frozen outside, toasty indoorsSnow-laden trees near Sprutts Farm in Pecket Well Swaledale sheep negotiating the snow on Deer Stones Edge above Pecket Well Swaledale sheep in the snow on Wadsworth Moor above Pecket WellFoggy frosty morning in Crimsworth DeanSnow-encrusted trees near Mididgehole in Crimsworth DeanSnow-covered beech trees above one of the dams in Crimsworth DeanFoggy frozen treescape in Crimsworth Dean – looks like someone has sifted flour on the woodsLooking up the steep snowy hillside near Wheat Ing in Crimsworth DeanEvery branch and every twig encrusted with ice crystals in Crimsworth DeanEntering the woods near Wheat Ing in Crimsworth Dean to take the path up to Pecket WellCrystallised beechnuts in Crimsworth Dean 31 January 2019
Photographs copyright Lesley Jackson and Ian Fishwick
Proud to be…
Photographs of the landscape and wildlife in the beautiful Yorkshire hills and dales around Hebden Bridge and the Upper Calder Valley in the South Pennines. A walkers’ paradise in one of dramatic corners of Yorkshire. Nature on the doorstep at Elmet Farmhouse holiday cottage in the village of Pecket Well, near Haworth and the Yorkshire Dales.
Photographs of the landscape and wildlife in the beautiful Yorkshire hills and dales around Hebden Bridge and the Upper Calder Valley in the South Pennines. A walkers’ paradise in one of dramatic corners of Yorkshire. Nature on the doorstep at Elmet Farmhouse holiday cottage in the village of Pecket Well, near Haworth and the Yorkshire Dales.
Photographs of the landscape and wildlife in the beautiful Yorkshire hills and dales around Hebden Bridge and the Upper Calder Valley in the South Pennines. A walkers’ paradise in one of dramatic corners of Yorkshire. Nature on the doorstep at Elmet Farmhouse holiday cottage in the village of Pecket Well, near Haworth and the Yorkshire Dales.
Photographs of the landscape and wildlife in the beautiful Yorkshire hills and dales around Hebden Bridge and the Upper Calder Valley in the South Pennines. A walkers’ paradise in one of dramatic corners of Yorkshire. Nature on the doorstep at Elmet Farmhouse holiday cottage in the village of Pecket Well, near Haworth and the Yorkshire Dales.
Photographs of the landscape and wildlife in the beautiful Yorkshire hills and dales around Hebden Bridge and the Upper Calder Valley in the South Pennines. A walkers’ paradise in one of dramatic corners of Yorkshire. Nature on the doorstep at Elmet Farmhouse holiday cottage in the village of Pecket Well, near Haworth and the Yorkshire Dales.
Photographs of the landscape and wildlife in the beautiful Yorkshire hills and dales around Hebden Bridge and the Upper Calder Valley in the South Pennines. A walkers’ paradise in one of dramatic corners of Yorkshire. Nature on the doorstep at Elmet Farmhouse holiday cottage in the village of Pecket Well, near Haworth and the Yorkshire Dales.