Tags
Aberbargoed Grasslands, Bee orchid, British orchids, Common spotted orchid, Cosmeston Lakes Country Park, Early purple orchid, Heath spotted-orchid, Lavernock Nature Reserve, native orchids
As more and more orchids are now appearing, I thought I’d post a few photos of those I’ve seen so far this year. The first were the aptly named Early purples (Orchis macula), though this year they were even earlier than usual I’m told – I spotted these beauties at Lavernock Nature Reserve on 23 April.
Next up were these pretty little Heath spotted-orchids (Dactylorhiza maculata) found growing at the Aberbargoed Grasslands National Nature Reserve on 15 and 21 March, when I was visiting for the Marsh fritillaries.
During Monday’s wander at Lavernock I spotted the first open flower of a Common spotted-orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsia) and on Thursday, 23 May, I found the first couple of these at Cosmeston Lakes Country Park.
And today’s delightful discovery, also at Cosmeston, was my first Bee orchid (Ophrys apifera) for 2019. I look forward to the warm summer days when the fields at Cosmeston are awash with (mostly Common spotted) orchids – they’re a joy to behold!
earthstar 
Those are quite pretty and delicate looking.
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Most of Britain’s native orchids are quite small but it’s so lovely to seeing them growing wild in the fields. 🙂
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Haven’t you seen a lot of Nature’s Wonders? I think I have caught up now after my holiday in Finistere – we were promised WiFi but those pesky Frenchmen failed to deliver. Not to worry, it was very restful and my bed was simply enormous and VERY comfortable. That was a first for a French Gite!
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I thought you’d be very quiet and was hoping you weren’t ill so I’m very pleased to hear you’ve had a jolly holiday! 🙂
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