The whole of the phototrail has an abundance of interest within its flora and fauna, but there are several particular areas worth exploring and these will occur throughout the route.
The Old Tarn Area
Situated between the Thwaite Lane and Robin Proctor's Scar, this large depression was once walled to keep animals away from the very wet conditions. It is this marshy environment which provides such an interesting habitat. A plant of particular interest is Butterwort which is insectivorous! This is quite easy to identify with a rosette of paler green leaves in a distinct star shape. It can be located a couple of metres into the wet area from the ruined wall. There are also several species of sedge here and these may be identified as being grass-like, but with separate male and female flowers. You will need to find a grass with two different kinds of top part. Most stalks of sedges are triangular in section. The whole of the wet area is also good for ground nesting birds such as Curlew, Lapwing, Skylark, Meadow Pipit and Mallard ducks. Consequently groups should avoid wandering about in this area during the nesting season (April-July).
The Norber Erratics
The erratic boulders provide a habitat for one particular plant that is often mistaken for splashes of bright green paint! It is in fact a lichen that does not grow well on the alkaline limestone bedrock which is why it is seen mainly on the perched erratic slate boulders. It is commonly called 'map lichen' for obvious reasons but is more properly known as Rhizocarpon geographicum. After you have discovered the green lichen you will quickly find other lichens in a variety of colours coating the rocks like a thin crust. There are lichens which are made up of 'leafy' parts and a grey lichen of this type is often found on wall tops and is called Crottle. It has been used in the past as a dye for wool. If you are very interested you may even find some lichens with distinct fruiting bodies like small cups or even red tipped 'match stalks'. The walls of the track above the tunnels are a good hunting area for the cup ones; however they are tiny so you will need to look very carefully.
The Lower slopes of Norber
The footpath below Robin Proctor's Scar traverses a slope which can be a good place to find fungi. There are two that may be of interest - one is found in the summer months and is a round light-coloured fungus called a puffball. When this ripens a small hole appears on the top of the fungus and if it is gently tapped then a 'puff' of spores is emitted from the ball through the tiny hole. Avoid inhaling this dust as it is not good for you. Raindrops are heavy enough to cause this 'puff' to occur naturally; the spores are the equivalent of seeds. The other common fungus in these parts is a quite distinct red colour. This is called Carmine Waxgill and the name gives away its most unusual feature - the waxy feel that it has. Although it feels quite slimy when touched, if you rub your fingers together immediately after touching it they will be quite dry. Another unusual feature in this area is found above the limestone cliffs where you may see some small 'bonsai' hawthorn bushes. These are kept in shape by the browsing of sheep and develop into an extremely tangled mass of interwoven twigs sometimes only extending a few centimetres above the limestone.
Austwick Beck
If the route is taken to look at the Clapper Bridges around Austwick, then the flagstones at Flascoe bridge will provide an opportunity to explore the wildlife of the local beck. The freshwater insect larvae of Stonefly, Mayfly and Caddisfly can be easily found with a small net and some form of container to view them in. There are also small fish in this area and with a little patience some bullheads may be found. Throughout the year you might see birds which are particularly associated with streams including the white-breasted Dipper flying low and close to the water.
During the walk there will be opportunities to see local wild flowers such as Primroses, Wild Thyme, Tormentil, Herb Robert, Wild Strawberry and many others. The limestone pavements, meadows, hedgerows and the wetter areas around the becks and marshes each provide their own distinctive flora. It might also be possible to see a variety of animal and bird life - rabbits, hares, deer, hedgehogs, perhaps even a stoat or weasel. Look out for ravens and buzzards which have recently enjoyed breeding success in the area.
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