Orchid update

We reached 277 orchids today and I've been trying to work out how this relates to previous years. It's not straightforward. The last few years have seen a peak of 945 orchids in 2023 followed by a crash to 312 in 2024 and a recovery to 723 last year. The numbers in the previous years at thgis date were 158 in the peak year, 128 in the crash year and 160 in the recovery year. Those numbers are not really that different when you consider the year totals which are so different. Also with weather changing and spring coming earlier year on year the extra 100 or so orchids could be explained through being a week or so ahead at this stage. So I am drawing no conclusions as to final numbers yet. Here's a photo of a clump of Common Spotted Orchids - eight in total.

It's Bluebell time

Following on from Wild Daffodil flowering we now have the Bluebells starting. Lots of the woodland and most of our fields will be a carpet of Bluebells very soon. Here's an example - actually close to Tintern rather than The Narth but worth a photo.

New Species - Redstart

I have seen Redstarts before but up in wild areas like Bannau Brechiniog. I was completely surprised to see one here - no photo I'm afraid. I checked and they had been seen in the area a few days previously.

Second fungus of 2025 - Turf Mottlegill

A couple fruiting in the West Field- these are essentially dung fungi so can occur in the Spring. They are very similar to the Brown Mottlegill but have a black spore print whereas the Brown Mottlegill has a very dark brown spore print.

Fox hunting rabbits

I guess it must be fox cubs back in the den that's causing it but there was a fox looking for prey in the day time which seems to occur at this time of year. I'm happy for a bit more control over the rabbit population although it is lower that it was before the mixy outbreak in late 2024, but foxes need surprise as they don't seem to have the speed needed.

First fungus of 2026

Often seen early in the year is the Fragrant Funnel (Clitocybe fragrans) which is easily indentifiable due to its strong aniseed smell. Just one small specimen in the East Field. (Old photo)

First Orchid rosette - 28th March

I think this is the earliest I have seen an orchid rosette - all previous funds were April or later. In fact today on the 29th I have seen five more. Whether that is weatrher related or an effect of climate change, or maybe just me getting better at spotting them I don't know. I can't really take it as a sign of a prolific year at this early stage.