A blog and photo journal about the natural history of north-west England and beyond
Green-winged Orchids at Clarke’s Pool Meadow, Gloucestershire A newly emerged Small Copper Butterfly Although somewhat variable in colour the “normal” Green-winged Orchid tends to be purple complete with green veining on the “wings”. A slightly paler version Note the green veining definitely one of the Read More …
One of only three locations where the rare Military Orchid can be seen. For many years considered to be extinct the clearance of woodland during World War II revealed a number of glades and former meadows. By 1977 a total of six plants had been Read More …
“The soldiers are at home in their fields.” The cryptic message sent on a postcard from Richard Fitter and Frances Rose upon the discovery of a colony of Military Orchids at Homefield Wood. Considered extinct the Military Orchid became a Holy Grail for Read More …
Another Iron Age hill fort and another outstanding site. Really enjoyable walking around admiring the views across the Dorset countryside whilst listening to Cuckoos calling from the woodland, Skylarks overhead and Yellowhammers in the adjacent fields. Plenty of Orchids around. The sheer number of Greater Read More …
An amazing area of woodland historically managed as hazel coppice and now part of the RSPB’s Dorset estate. Until recently it was one of the few areas left that was reasonably reliable for Turtle Dove and the Hazel Dormouse. Whilst Dormouse can still be found Read More …