WRW #26: Hawthorn High Level
The cache, a small screw-capped, camo-taped sample tube is hidden at this location along the WRW trail (and Dales Way long-distance path) where the trail runs along a contour on the edge of the riparian woodland high above the river.
To reach the cache:a) If heading north from Addingham: park in the High Mill parking area @ N 53 56.874 W 1 52.595 then head north following the Dales Way path into and through the Olicana cottages, then along the riverside trail to the cache, passing other caches along the way or b) If heading south from Farfield: park in the small car park behind Farfield Friends Meeting House @ N 53 57.724 W 1 53.139 pass around the rear of the building, cross over the road and locate the Dales Way footpath heading down towards the river, then follow this to the cache, passing other caches along the way.
(Description continued from another hawthorn cache GC7F4AR Hawthorn Hideaway hidden near Burley-in-Wharfedale)
. . . The hawthorn is home to up to 300 different insects and provides food and shelter for many birds. Blackbirds, greenfinches, yellowhammers, robins and wrens all make use of it along with migrant birds like redwings and fieldfares. They spread seed through their droppings making this a mutually beneficial arrangement. Small mammals like voles and wood mice also eat the fallen berries and seek shelter amongst the dense growth of hawthorn branches.
The ‘haws’ of the common hawthorn are edible, but the flavour is like over-ripe apples. In the UK they are sometimes used to make a jelly (see here for a recipe) or homemade wine. See here for a blog on how to make hawthorn drinks.
The leaves are edible, and if picked in spring when still young, are tender enough to be used in salads. These young leaves and flower buds, which are also edible, are known as ‘bread and cheese’ in rural England.
Medical Uses:A 2008 meta-analysis of previous studies concluded that evidence exists of ‘a significant 
benefit in symptom control and physiologic outcomes’ for an extract of hawthorn in treating chronic heart failure. A 2010 review concluded that ‘hawthorn preparations hold significant potential as a useful remedy in the treatment of cardiovascular disease’.
Landscaping:many species and hybrids are used as ornamental and street trees. Common hawthorn is extensively planted as a hedge plant, especially for agricultural use. Its spines and close branching habit render it effectively stock- and human-proof, with some basic maintenance. The traditional practice of hedge laying is most commonly practised with this species. It is a good fire wood which burns with a good heat and little smoke.
During the British Agricultural Revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries, hawthorn saplings were mass propagated in nurseries to create the new field boundaries required by the Inclosure Acts. Numerous hybrids exist, some of which are used as garden shrubs. The most widely used hybrid is C. × media (C. monogyna × C. laevigata), of which several cultivars are known, including the very popular 'Paul's Scarlet' with dark pink double flowers. Hawthorns are among the trees most recommended for water conservation landscapes.
The oldest known living specimen in East Anglia (possibly in the UK) is known as The Hethel Old Thorn, and is located in the churchyard in the small village of Hethel, south of Norwich, in Norfolk. It is reputed to be more than 700 years old, having been planted in the 13th century.
Bonsai:many species of Hawthorn make excellent bonsai trees which are grown and enjoyed for their display of flowers.
Other uses:the wood of some hawthorn species is very hard and resistant to rot. In rural North America, it was prized for use as tool handles and fence posts. The wood being hard it is consdiered as the best substitute for boxwood for wood engraving.