Mother Shipton moth

Thankfully, orchids are finally emerging at Swaddywell NR, surviving last year's drought and the spring water-logging. I visited the site in preparation for a workshop I'm leading in early June as part of the Langdyke Trust residency.


On my walk round I managed to spot Man orchid, Twayblade, Early Marsh-orchid, Southern Marsh-orchid (see extra), Common Spotted-orchid and a range of hybrids - plenty to keep us going! The Bee Orchids and Pyramidal Orchids were in bud, but no sign of open flowers.


There were also plenty of Dingy Skippers around, and several Mother Shipton moths. Each forewing has creamy-coloured markings, the outlines of which resemble a witch’s face and is named after Old Mother Shipton, a 16th century Yorkshire witch.