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26 July 2014 Beech bum

Narrow-lipped Helleborine is a scarce, willowy orchid – and not one I have had particularly lucked out on thus far. Two years ago, I was too early, seeing the plants at Whiteleaf Woods in Bucks, which are generally thought to be Narrow-lipped, but nobody is really sure. Last year, I saw surefire Narrow-lips at Warburg (also in Bucks), but they had gone over with only one plant showing even a hint of bloom.

This year, the Warburg plants have been devoured by slugs, so I needed gen from Josh Jones to be able to see them at Sheepleas in Surrey, a new site for me. This beech woodland was simply beautiful, as this early morning image hopefully demonstrates.

I then wandered a few hundred metres north to see a few nice clumps of Broad-leaved Helleborines. Arguably smarter than Narrow-lips, but not quite so rare.

Additional interest was provided by some hefty Silver-washed Fritillaries. Judging by their ragged state, they were sensing the end of life. Just like those Helleborines...

I was just in time for the Narrow-lips: a few days later, and it would have been game over. Smart, aren't they?