1,000 up

We've broken the one thousand barrier for orchids for the first time. Our previous high was 945 orchids in 2023, following which the numbers crashed to 312 in 2024, recovered to 723 last year and now surged on again to 1011 this year (so far). Add to that a new species, (the Green-winged Orchid), and it's been a very good year. Photo is the Green-winged.

Waxcap #2 for 2026 here - Citrine Waxcap

The 'early' waxcaps are very early this year. Here's the second one, Citrine Waxcap (Hygrovcybe citrinovirens). Just the Dingy Waxcap to go.

New species - Common Striped Woodlouse

As previously mentioned there are many more woodlice than I imagined - here's one of them - the Common Striped Woodlouse (Philoscia muscorum).

Broad-bodied Chaser

My latest pond is still not looking very good - the water is a muddy brown colour but that didn't stop a Broad-bodied Chaser patrolling it relentlessly. Whether there is sufficient prey for any young it sires is an open question. I'm guessing they know what they are doing having been around for many millions of years. Old photo.

Greater Butterfly Orchids

Our first GBO appeared in 2022, and we had two in 2023 but none in 2024. 2025 saw a single one again and this appeared to be the case for this year and the specimen in question is now in full flower. However yesterday I spotted what appeared to be a single GBO leaf and then two more close by. I checked Sean Cole's great book on UK orchids and it turns out that GBOs can send forth a single leaf if they are not going to flower that season. For me that means we now have four GBOs and I look forward to them all flowering next year! Photo is from last year - it's a bit wet outside today.

Waxcap #1 for 2026 - Fibrous Waxcap

Pretty early this year but there has been a lot of rain over trhe last ten days! Found in the West Field. We might see the other 'early' species Dingy Waxcap and Citrine Waxcap soon.

Southern Marsh Orchids

A second SMO has apperared - this time in the West Field. Meanwhile the Monmouthshire Meadows Group open day yesterday featured a site bursting with SMOs - see photo above!