Meadows

Tuesday 13th July 2021

Today we went over to Ullenwood to repair some deer fencing that was in a bad way. Nick joined us - he is 17 and wants to do a geography degree - so was volunteering with us for the day. We took a good few hours sorting out the deer fencing then took the time to walk over to some nearby meadows. We were looking for a bee orchid but didn't find any, we did find a few interesting things though.

A butterfly orchid in the wood - really delicate. A marbled white butterfly which landed long enough for me to take a photo! A common spotted orchid - with the most amazing dark green and red spotted leaves. And the flower bud of a woolly thistle - which was enormous and so beautiful - like a little sea urchin.

Lots of other interesting plants - Ed and I rushed round exclaiming at what we found and taking photos. Nick was really good about it - suprisingly didn't roll his eyes at us!!

I was pleased at how much I could identify - just need to keep practicing.