Friday, June 25, 2010

Heath spotted orchids are in flower

In Senni, there is a Site of Special Scientific Interest which has large numbers of Heath Spotted Orchids (Dactylorhiza maculata) that flower in June and July. I found a new collection of these beautiful plants in a nearby field  (51°53'15.04"N 3°33'30.39"W) which contained many rushes and which was being grazed by cattle.



These orchids are only found on one side of the Senni River, although we used to find them on the other bank 20 years ago. I suspect that cattle grazing benefits them.

Christopher Spry
Wimbledon, London
12:29 25 June 2010

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