Cypripedium calceolus - Lady's-slipper OrchidOur visit to Gait Barrows National Nature Reserve in Lancashire (12th and 13th June) to see the re-introduction programme of this rare species proved to be too late to see many flowers in bloom due to the sudden hot, dry spell of weather that occurred throughout June. There was one plant of Lady's-slipper with a perfect flower, and we were treated to a viewing of several fabulous plants in pots that had been brought on ready for imminent re-introduction to the nature reserve.
The reserve is situated in the Arnside and Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is well worth a visit whether you are an orchid fanatic or not. There are a number of other rare and beautiful plants growing on the reserve including Angular Solomon's Seal - Polygonatum odoratum, Dark-red Helleborine - Epipactis atrorubens, and Bird's-eye Primrose - Primula farinosa. In addition, Gait Barrows is one of the best sites in the UK to look for butterflies and moths; it is one of the last strongholds of the Duke of Burgundy butterfly - Hamearis lucina. This tiny butterfly which agressively patrols its territory can be seen in good numbers at the right time of a good year.
Epipactis atrorubens - Dark-red Helleborine
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