Bee orchids flowering well

Went up to the site today and found plenty of orchids in flower – the best of which were 6 Bee orchids (Ophrys apifera) in the main orchid slope – see photo. Very few Bee orchids across the rest of the site though so it looks like it is a bad year for them.

Thousands of Common Spotted orchids are in full flower and the Pyramidal orchids are just starting. The patch of Yellow Rattle that came in after some hay was dumped in field 1 seems to have spread a little and is flowering very well too.

Bristones, Meadow Browns, Large Skippers, Small Heath, Painted Lady & Marbled Whites were all on the wing too, with Banded & Beautiful Demoiselles. One each of Common Blue, Dingy Skipper & Green Hairstreak were also seen.