Clearing the gorse is an important part of maintenance on the reserve. For a while cleared areas look untidy, but eventually the benefits start to appear. Large groups of wild flowers, almost carpets in some parts, have used the chance of the free ground to make attractive colour patches near the main paths. Some blue flowers I spotted today were speedwell, bugle, bluebells and violets.
Speedwell
Bluebell
Bugle
Violet
Another attempt at 'caging' the orchids growing near Red Clay Pond has been made. This is because they are being eaten, we think by rabbits. Hopefully the cages will enable the flowers to grow strongly and flower well this year and not be in danger of passing feet crushing them (or rabbits feeding).
Fab photos! Which species of orchids need protection? The only early marsh orchids that I ever found on the reserve were in a damp hollow next to Red Clay Pond.
Beautiful photo's Chris
Norman Holton, senior site manager.