Chiltern Orchids

Saturday 19th May 2018

Monkey Orchid

On royal wedding day, I left Mrs M watching the telly and headed off east for the day. My first stop was Hartslock near Goring-on-Thames in Oxfordshire. The Monkey Orchids were looking fantastic, and I counted getting on for 20. The single Lady Orchid was past its prime, but two or three flowers recalled its full beauty. The most numerous by far are the Lady x Monkey hybrids, tall vigorous plants numbering around a hundred give or take. Some of the Pasqueflowers  were still in flower, some still in bud even - I was expecting them to have all gone to seed by now. Butterflies on the wing included Grizzled Skippers, Dingy Skippers, Green Hairstreakes, Orange-tips, Green-veined Whites, Small Whites and Brimstones. Also a Common Carpet moth. This is a beautiful reserve, affording wonderful views of the Thames and surrounding landscape. I also stumbled across George Michael's house in the village, complete with a plethora of tributes. I wonder if George was aware of the floral jewel on his doorstep? Ironically, a sign on the door asks for no floral tributes on the doorstep.
Monkey Orchid, Hartslock

Monkey Orchid, Hartslock

 Monkey Orchid, Hartslock

Lady Orchid, Hartslock

Lady x Monkey hybrid, Hartslock

Lady x Monkey hybrid, Hartslock

Lady x Monkey hybrid, Hartslock

Pasqueflower, Hartslock

Grizzled Skipper, Hartslock

Green Hairstreak, Hartslock


Common Carpet, Hartslock

Hartslock

Mill Cottage, Goring, home of the late George Michael

It was then on to the Homefield Wood reserve near Marlow in Buckinghamshire. Here, the Military Orchids, were looking superb. Numbering around 30, these delicately-coloured robust orchids seem to be doing well. Virtually the whole time I was there, I was the only soul enjoying this peaceful spot. A single Fly Orchid was near the boundary above the soldiers, and numerous Common Twayblade was starting to flower. In the nearby Beech wood there were many more Fly Orchids in flower, and also several White Helleborines just starting to flower. A Reeve's Muntjac was deeper in the woods. I saw my first Common Blues of the year, and a Burnet Companion was near the reserve entrance.

Military Orchid, Homefield Wood

Military Orchid, Homefield Wood

Military Orchid, Homefield Wood

Burnet Companion, Homefield Wood

The meadow at Homefield Wood

Common Twayblade, Homefield Wood

Fly Orchid, Homefield Wood

Fly Orchid, Homefield Wood

White Helleborine, Homefield Wood

White Helleborine, Homefield Wood

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