A blog and photo journal about the natural history of north-west England and beyond
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 …
Closely related to Bee Orchids and the rare Early Spider Orchid there’s several well established colonies of Fly Orchids in the limestone pavements and woodlands around Morecambe Bay. Pollinated by the male Digger Wasp (very definitely not a fly) the orchid relies upon scent to Read More …
Not a promising start. A quick look around the limestone pavement at Gait Barrows revealed that the mice, voles and rabbits had nibbled off all but one of the flower spikes from the Dark Red Helleborines. The one that remained was still to open up. Read More …