Orchid shocker

On Saturday 3rd July I did my annual count of the Southern Marsh Orchids and was surprised and greatly shocked to only count 66 Southern Marsh Orchids and 3 hybrid plants most of which were seen in the south- west corner of the very local site. Why so few? The increasing encroaching scrub has rendered access to many areas virtually unaccessible. Secondly, the drying out of the site, have made conditions much less favourable and thirdly there are significant number of areas (I counted 7 areas) that have been used as dens/ play areas by local children, causing much erosion ie. dust bowls on former pristine wet grassland areas. One fears greatly for the immediate future of these wonderful plants at this site.

It was also very disheartening to see the results of the totally ignorant efforts of our next door neighbour but one (just moved in) who mowed his lawn, therefore cutting the beautiful flowers of 6 Southern Marsh Orchids. I wish I had them in our front lawn, where they would be cultivated, looked after, cherished and enjoyed to the full.

On Sunday 4th July, Jenny & I visited Kentwell Hall and on the journey there on the A143 just before the turning to Redgrave, an excellent Green sandpiper flew over the road from left to right. At Kentwell itself it was very pleasing to see (apart from the excellent Great Annual Tudor recreation) a grassy area full of Pyramidial Orchids, around 100 seen in peak condition.