Orchids and Butterflies at Radipole Lake

The flowers are starting to bloom in earnest now.  The hedgerows are full of Hedgerow and Cut-Leaved Cranesbill, Hemlock Water Dropworth, Hogweed, Creeping and Meadow Buttercups and many others.  Today a visitor reported finding a Bee Orchid on the reserve.  As regularly visitors to Radipole Lake know, this is the site for our famous "Brown Bee Orchid" Ophrys apifera var. atrofuscus (discovered in 2008 by little ol' me).  We are currently one of only three sites in the country. In anticipation I set off to look for it with finger crossed. I did find the report Bee Orchid just opening up into flower but it was not 'my' Brown Bee.  Nevertheless, I was delighted to find it, report it back to the Discovery Centre and mark it on the wall map, and it is my first Bee Orchid for this year.  Danny, Senior Discovery Centre Assistant took a group on a guided a walk over at Lodmoor this morning a reported see Bee Orchids coming in to flower over there. Meanwhile, the hunt for the Brown Bee Orchid and typical Bee Orchids will continue!

Last week's Southern Marsh Orchid count was 14.  Today's count now stands at 31 so doubling over the past week.  The Southern Marsh is Radipole Lake's commonest orchid and can be seen, as the name suggests, on damper ground.  Most are on the path past the kingfisher gate down to the new Viewing Shelter but there are two flowers around the Buddleia and one plant is not too far from the Discovery Centre.

While orchid hunting, I noticed a tall pink flower peering over from the other side of the fence from the public path near the kingfisher gate. This plant, a member of the Iris Family, Iridaceae, is the Eastern Gladiolus an infrequent garden escape in the southwest.  It's a lovely slightly exotic addition though to the reserve with its striking cerise pink flowers.

The recent sunny weather is bringing out the butterflies.  Recent sightings include the Brimstone, Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Orange Tip, Common Blue. The Peacock below was snapped by our volunteer Martin Jones-Gill.

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