Primula farinosa

Birdseye Primrose.
Described in one guide as "rare, delicate and very beautiful" the Birdseye is increasingly at risk due to the loss of its required habitat. The fells around Orton are pretty much ideal for this little gem being mainly open moor with short grasses on top of a limestone substrate - the fact its often so wet here probably helps too. Today whilst out with pooch I came across the largest area of these I've ever seen - perhaps an unknown benefit of the wet and warm winter? 

The day started dull and grey - which suited me fine as I'd errands to run - but by the time lunch came around this wonderful Cumbrian summer had returned - the above mentioned wander with the pooch was followed by genuinely gentle pottering in the garden - no more heavy lifting until next week when several tonnes of topsoil is being delivered to replace all that washed away in December.