Minera Quarry, 28th June 2008

A return to an old and massive limestone quarry, now closed and partly returned to nature, at least to some extent. From an orchid hunter`s perspective there are several different areas with their own orchid populations. And there are other areas seemingly devoid of orchids. This we discover on this visit.

Firstly we approach from the old road and rail entrance. There are a few Common Spotteds alongside the path, and then the quarry opens up. On the right is a long sheer rock face. It is below this that quite a colony of Broad Leaved Helleborine has developed. Typically we seem to visit well before these are in flower, so have never fully checked the identity of these plants so only assume that they are BLH.

Then its across the crushed rock quarry floor towards the grassy slopes towards the far end of the quarry. Go too far and you find nothing; the orchids seem to prefer the lower slopes which presumably hold any rain a bit longer. Several species live here. A systemic study might reveal preferences to certain areas by certain species, but I do not have time for all that. I see the inevitable Common Spotted, some Pyramidals opening up, Common Twayblades (always difficult to photograph), Fragrant Orchids in tight bud, but identifiable by form and colour, and a range of Northern Marsh Orchids in terms of colour and lip shape. Of course there are some Dactylorhiza that seem to be hybrids.
A walk to new parts, across the stream bridge sort of southwards yields nothing, though this is quite an extensive site and there will be many parts we have not looked at or missed.

Images of the Minera orchids in the same order as described in the text

Ellesmere Port, 19th June 2008

This was a chance finding after what the day`s orchid visit to Buckley, while having an afternoon walk along the canal, and a nice surprise it is too! In a small copse we find a colony of Bee Orchids. Apart from being an urban old industrial setting, this site is woodland; not a typical O. apifera habitat to my mind. This must demonstrate how this and other species are quite opportunist where they grow. It could also mean the colony may die out if the site isn`t managed in their favour.

Buckley Common, 19th June 2008

I have known about this orchid locality for many years. It is still as impressive in terms of numbers even if none of the species are remarkable. Buckley Common is actually in an old industrial area where there were many brickworks and clay pits. The area is actually quite damp; perhaps the local clayey soil prevents rapid drainage. The orchids grow on the common and some of the nearby grass verges. Today I see mainly Common Spotted Orchids and some Hybrids. What I do like about this site is that you can easily find clumps of identical orchids that have multiplied by vegetative means fro a single rhizome as shown on the pictures.