Natural History Limestone in Lake District? Yes! – Helsington Barrows 20 June 2018 Ian Alexander View North from Helsington Barrows to Lake District. The dry limestone scarp contrasts with the lush meadows of the Lune valley and the volcanic landscape in the distance. Common Blue and limestone-loving plants Small Tortoiseshell on warm dry limestone Anthill covered in grass, Tormentil, Thyme Whitebeam on limestone scarp The limestone scarp of Helsington Barrows Rock-Rose and Wild Thyme Wood Sage, elegant and rather special Dropwort, another tall and striking herb of limestone grassland Betony, once an important medicinal herb