Heath Spotted Orchid

Heath Spotted may not be one of the most exciting of orchids but it is one that I have not recorded before. With Black Hairstreaks on Ditchling Common and knowing that Heath Spotted Orchids could be found there, it seemed worth a visit.

At first the open spaces on the common did not look very promising, being mostly covered in dense bracken. However, a search finally located 150-200 flowering spikes at TQ33391841. Some were starting to go over but there were still a number in good condition and worth photographing.

Heath Spotted Orchid - Dactylorhiza maculata

The second part of my quest, the Black Hairstreak was not so successful. Conditions seemed ideal and the butterflies were there but they seemed strangely inactive. What movement there was, remained at the top of the Blackthorn bushes, at around 15 to 20 foot height. I watched for about an hour early morning just as the temperature was getting up and again late morning but did not get a single butterfly coming down to pose. Strange when last year they gave such good picture opportunities. Perhaps a late afternoon visit is required to get some of them down nectaring.



Had a walk around Ditchling Beacon. Some good orchids on show. Perhaps a bit small on the top but some better specimens in the more sheltered areas.

Chalk Fragrant

Then, just when you think you have the identification of spotted and fragrant orchids nailed down you get one that doesn't look quite right. First thoughts were Heath Spotted but then the marking looks a bit too bold. Perhaps a touch of something else in there as well - Common Spotted or one of the fragrants?

The visit was more about getting an idea of where to look for Marsh Fragrants. The flowering period for these in Sussex on chalk is mid July through August so a return visit will be required soon.