Peaky Blinders

In honour of the sunshine finally rearing its head this bank holiday weekend, I decided to commemorate the day doing what I love most by delving into the natural world. My sister Ellie and I, along with our boyfriends Jack and Jacob, hauled ourselves into Jack’s scorching, trusty ford and headed for the Peak District to begin our adventure.

Our destination of choice was Ilam Park: situated in Dovedale, the National Trust nature reserve is home to rolling limestone hills (giving the area the name “White Peak”), spectacular sights, and a vast array of cool critters and wildlife – the perfect setting for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in all nature has to offer. We headed for the infamous stepping stones of Ilam park, taking the alternative route due to my sister’s long-running fear of cows (crazy, I know), which led us across a rocky drystone ravine teeming with an abundance of fauna, flora, and flocks of sheep sheltering from the sweltering sunshine!

These particular sheep are Derbyshire Gritstones , and are one of the oldest native breeds residing in the UK. Gritstones are the saviours of the Peak District, continuously grazing on grasslands to encourage the growth of wild flowers, providing vital resources for the wonderful wildlife that depend on them. So next time you see sheep, make sure to thank them for increasing the bedazzling biodiversity we are lucky to see around us!

After what felt like a hike across the Equator, we made it to The River Dove, which marks the border between Derbyshire and Staffordshire. Nothing calms me quite like the sound of running water lapping against the rocks and boulders protruding from the riverbank (maybe it has something to do with my star sign – I am a cancer, after all). The water sparkled under the beaming sun light, and I had an overwhelming urge to join the other visitors paddling and splashing about to cool down.

In 2006, Dovedale became a National Trust nature reserve due to the wide range of rare biodiversity and ecosystems situated there. The river creates an indispensible habitat for fish, invertebrates and avian species by providing food, shelter, and an area for successful breeding.

In all honesty, the iconic picturesque stepping stones were actually a NIGHTMARE. We joined a queue of hot, sweaty tourists and waited patiently to cross the 19th century stones. Despite the queue being ginormous, people who had already crossed over decided to make their way back across the stones, which caused a major traffic jam. Soon enough people were getting irritated, and abuse was being hurled left right and centre – I didn’t manage to snap a picture of the stones and the incredible fossils embedded in them as I was too busy making sure I didn’t end up face-first in the water! Poor dogs were being dragged by their owners across the stones, scrambling to find their footing on the slippery surfaces…it was a shambles, but albeit a fun shambles at that.

The route back was treacherous with the 30°C sun beating down on us, but I savoured every opportunity to whip out my camera and take some sensational pictures of the spectacular wildlife around me (and to have a break from the extensive walking) – I have a keen interest in entomology, so it was magical to have all my favourite pollinators fluttering around my head collecting nutritious nectar.

We rounded off the expedition with a trip to a quintessential British country pub for a well-deserved gin and tonic, and to rest our aching feet and sunburnt bodies. Overall, the day was incredible and I was wowed (as ever) by the breathtaking creatures that share planet Earth alongside us, although I would recommend a visit to Dovedale when the number of visitors reduces over the next coming months.

Nature is glorious, and it’s critical that all of us do what we can to build a rapport with the natural world, and fall in love with the wildlife that mother nature has put outside our front doors.

Happy bank holiday, folks!