Early Marsh-orchid in WalesThe 2010 orchid season is off and running.....slowly. The very cold winter and late spring means that most species are late, and we are calling the Early purples Late purples here in West Wales. We would normally expect to see our first specimens appear in mid-to-late April, but this year we saw the first ones in mid-May.
Our visit to Cae Blaen Dyffryn (a delightful, unimproved meadow near Lampeter) last weekend provided none of the spectacular displays of orchids that we have come to expect from this location - just a few Heath Spotted-orchid, Southern-marsh Orchid and Lesser Butterfly Orchid struggling into flower. In two weeks time visits there will be much more productive. By comparison we are told that the very recent, very hot weather has hastened things 'Up North' and that, as a result, our planned trip for the coming weekend to see the reintroduction programme for the Lady's Slipper Orchid at Gait Barrows National Nature Reserve will display 'The late Lady's Slipper Orchid' as in 'passed away'! We are, however, promised many other delights, and you can read about them here soon.
Our visit to Cae Blaen Dyffryn (a delightful, unimproved meadow near Lampeter) last weekend provided none of the spectacular displays of orchids that we have come to expect from this location - just a few Heath Spotted-orchid, Southern-marsh Orchid and Lesser Butterfly Orchid struggling into flower. In two weeks time visits there will be much more productive. By comparison we are told that the very recent, very hot weather has hastened things 'Up North' and that, as a result, our planned trip for the coming weekend to see the reintroduction programme for the Lady's Slipper Orchid at Gait Barrows National Nature Reserve will display 'The late Lady's Slipper Orchid' as in 'passed away'! We are, however, promised many other delights, and you can read about them here soon.
