Tales of the Peak and Lowlands

Ashbourne U3A

SEVENTY-THREE members of Ashbourne U3A joined a Zoom presentation for their January monthly meeting.

This was given by Max Maughan, accompanied by his wife, Christine, who provided the photographs to accompany the talk.

The presentation was entitled “Wildlife and Scenery in the Peak District and Lowland Derbyshire”.

Mr Maughan displayed his extensive and very impressive knowledge of geology, botany and ornithology, in relation to Derbyshire in particular.

He pointed out that most of the geological formations in Derbyshire are from the Carboniferous period. Many of these rocks are fossil-bearing.

Whereas White Peak gets its colour from limestone, Dark Peak is marked by 200 years of industrial pollution.

Mr Maughan reminded his listeners that Millstone grit is the symbol of the Peak District park.

He also alluded to the famous “mass trespass” of 88 years ago, which forced a change in the law and opened the area up to the general public for the first time.

He also mentioned that much of the park is designated as a SSSI. A wide variety of relatively rare birds, mammals and insects are to be found therein, including golden plovers, curlews, ravens, red grouse, emperor moths and mountain hares.

Mr Maughan’s presentation was accompanied by a large number of very impressive and beautiful photographs, all taken by his wife.

The participants at the meeting certainly all felt much better informed about the natural wonders on their doorstep by the end of Mr Maughan’s talk.