Jones' Rough 1st July 2018 (SJ 24766 24724)

This bit of woodland straddles a short section of Offa's Dyke Path. The potential orchid site is below a little crag along the northern edge, but in actual fact it is above a rather steep slope of large rock. Climbing rather than walking required. We can see no evidence of orchids flowering on these slopes, but find a few Broad-leaved Helleborines (for it is unlikely they are anything else) in bud. More are found on the edge of the path in the woodland. Its a case of been there; done that. Nice views though!

Minera Quarry 2nd July 2018 (SJ 25156 52172)

What a difference a year makes! Drought with 30øC temperatures for a week has had a negative effect on the orchids here. The Marsh Fragrants seem badly affected, and where there were hundreds last year there are now few in flower. Many unopened spikes are flopping over, and leaves are browning. The Common Spotteds are also badly affected; something you don't usually see. Only the Pyramidal Orchids seem immune, but then they do like dry situations like the sandy slopes of seaside dunes. The Broad-leaved Helleborines may also be immune with their deeper rhizomes, and some look as if they will flower in a few weeks. For a change we take the woodland path that snakes up to the open terraces that overlook the quarry. No sign of any Frog Orchids (I was hoping) and while it must be 10 years since we were last up here the place has changed. It used to be cropped grass with many orchids, but all that has changed. Yet again, nice views though.
One thing I do see is a possible Heath Fragrant Orchid or two. The flowers are not completely out yet, with lip only partly unfurled, but only this species has lateral sepals as wide as on these plants.

Stoney Middleton 6th July 2018

Deep in the Derbyshire Dales, in search of Helleborines. There has still been no rain, and a cloudless sky means temperatures hitting nearly 30C; so I am glad much of the trek up the valley is shielded by trees. The first orchid found is a rather well-done Southern Marsh Orchid. A few more are found on the slopes off track. Then comes a small group of Marsh Fragrant Orchids mostly still with a few days to go before being in flower. The sizzling weather has had an effect on one Common Spotted Orchid with the flowers all `balled' up, but a solitary Pyramidal Orchid seems unfazed by the weather despite being in the open.

 
The Southen Marsh, Marsh Fragrant, Common Spotted and the Dark Red Helleborine

Then we find the first Helleborine. It is under trees in longer grass, but clearly not happy. It is flopped over and looks unlikely to flower now. The stem is quite pigmented as far as the highest leaves, and these dark green leaves are positioned oppositely. This seems to point to Dark Red Helleborine which are said to grow on the slope above the stream. It certainly contrasts to the cluster found near the stream alongside the path. These look really healthy with flowering still perhaps 10 days away. The bright green leaves are heavily ribbed giving them an almost variegated appearance in the bright sun. The ribbed, hairy ovaries are untwisted, and the whole appearance is consistent with these being Dune Helleborines.

Delamere Forest 7th July 2018 (SJ 55457 71392)

We have been coming here for a few years now after we discovered the Dune Helleborines along a path beside Blakemere. Last year they were not so good, but now despite only seeing 8 plants, all look in fine fettle. They seem to have spread along a longer stretch of the path, so perhaps more will be seen when they are in flower. Its a bit early this year year to see that, but other visits may have prevented a later visit.

The Broad-leaved Helleborines nearby are well off flowering, but this year I counted 12 spikes, with some behind a newly erected fence which will protect them from being trampled. Perhaps that is why these few weren't seen lat year.