Hawthorn BlossomThe warm weather over the Easter Weekend brought the butterflies and the flowers out.  Hawthorns are laden with blossom, Cornsalad, Pale Flax and Ox Eye daisy are beginning to come into flower.  The Swifts, House Martins and Swallows are now busy flying over the lakes. 

Marsh Harriers have frequently been seen from the Discovery Centre window flying over the reedbeds and the Ring Necked Duck is still around on the reserve.  The first Mallard ducklings are paddling around  the channel.  Butterflies include Brimstone, Speckled Wood, Comma, Peacock, Holly Blue, Orange Tip and Small White.

Savi's WarblerThe reedbeds are noisy with Cetti's and Reed Warblers.  The rarer Savi's Warbler arrived at Radipole Lake on Easter Monday and has been seen sporadically on the reserve over the past week.  Though the Savi's looks similar to the Cetti's (if you are lucky enough to see it) but the song is most like the Grasshopper Warbler. 

Radipole Lake's Awesome Orchids Walk 

Friday, 14 June 2019 from 10:30-12:30

There are up to 3 species of orchid growing at Radipole Lake, and June is without doubt the best month to come and see them. Visitors can expect to see Southern Marsh Orchid in huge numbers, and we have a thriving population of Bee orchid as well. There is also an extremely rare variety of Bee orchid at Radipole, the Brown Bee Orchid, this is the only known site in Dorset.

Brown Bee OrchidBee Orchid

This year is the 11th anniversary of the discovery of Brown Bee orchid at Radipole, and we are very pleased to be joined on the walk by Naomi Bailey, who was the original finder of these beautiful plants in 2008. Naomi will be sharing her botanical knowledge as we go round looking for these rare beauties. We may also find Pyramidal Orchid which should be emerging as well.  

Southern Marsh OrchidPyramidal Orchid

Booking essential. RSPB Members £6.00, non members £8.00, U16 £4.00. Meet at RSPB Discovery Centre, Swannery Car-park, DT4 7TZ.

For more information on Awesome Orchids and all the latest sightings, contact Radipole Lake Discovery Centre, details below or pop in and see us. Hot and cold refreshments and snacks available.

Telephone: 01305 778313

Email: Weymouth.reserves@rspb.org.uk

Website: www.rspb.org./radipolelake