Final Orchid count

It's been a record breaking year - 1022 orchids - and a further big increase after the recovery from the 2024 low point. In summary we had 945 orchids in 2023, only 312 in 2024, a climb back to 723 last year and now a further increase of 41% to reach 1022. Also very positive to have six species including the new species, the single Green-winged Orchid. Great to see two Southern Marsh Orchids as well as we have only ever had one before and that was in 2023. Also positive was the five Bee Orchids equalling the total for last year. Perhaps the only disappointments were the lack of a Twayblade this year and the continuing struggle for Broad-leaved Helleborines. They have fallen from a high of 42 in 2021 to just 9 this yerar albeit that is better than the 2024 total of 6. All in all an excellent year despite the deer and rabbits and great to overtop one thousand orchids for the first time. Photo is the Green-winged of course.

Marbled Whites

I was pleased to see a Marbled White yesterday and am hoping there's going to be more. My favourite butterfly so emblematic of meadows in the Lower Wye valley, seems to be in decline on this site based on the last couple of years. It is a species that doesn't spread widely so I am hoping there is still a viable breeding colony here. Old photo.

Fallow doe plus fawn hanging around

Much as the deer can be irritating when they eat orchids, they also have an entertaining side and the fawn practising its pronking in front of the house was exactly that.

Stoat seen yesterday

Always a thrill to see and it's been a while. This one was moving right in front of the downstairs office glass doors - about three metres from me as I longed on the settee. I wonder how they find this extreme heat.

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).