Southern Marsh-orchid

Day #6 of #30dayswild was a veritable orchidfest at Swaddywell NR which is owned and managed by Langdyke Countryside Trust. In the upper field there were good numbers of Common Spotted-orchid and Early Marsh-orchid, together with a few stunning Southern Marsh-orchid and a bewildering array of hybrids. The first Pyramidal Orchids were also coming into bloom.

Down in the quarry, the highlight was counting 54 flowering spikes of Man Orchid, and finding a single spike in a new location. The Bee Orchids were also putting on a fine display, as were the Common Spotted-orchids near the Silver Birch. It was also very pleasing to see a huge increase in the population of Silver Hair-grass, a delicate annual species, very local in the Peterborough area, that has benefited from careful management of the bank where it grows.