Annual Man Orchid Hunt

After the very reduced numbers of orchids at Barnack and Cribbs Meadow, I wasn't expecting to find many Man Orchids (or other orchid species) at our local site, so was not surprised when numbers in the main meadow were very low for all species (Man, Common Spotted and Twayblades). However, up on the hill the Man Orchids were flourishing - at least 25 counted in a small area.  This is the 15th year I have visited the site with my camera and every one has been different in number and stature of the orchids eg https://pin-sharp.blogspot.com/2010/05/man-orchid.html

Orchids Buxton Heath

The Marsh Helleborines are at their peak at the moment with many very large spikes as well as more modest blooms. There are some fairly distinct Marsh Orchids and Heath Spotted Orchids but it seems most are hybrids. The only pollinator that I found was a Flower Tumbling Beetle on a Twayblade. Very bright sunshine with temperatures above 30 degrees so not ideal for flower photography!!