Settle Wildflowers - Day 53 - Red 8 - Pink: Orchids and Hay Meadow 7

Orchids are a popular group.

Whilst these four species below can be found in meadows, they are more likely to be found in "Recolonising habitats" such as quarries or road verges, or in "Low nutrient  pastures that are managed as meadows in that animals are kept out during May and June" of which there are a few around Settle which are managed as such for conservation reasons: they do not have fertilizer and cow muck applied.

1. Bee orchids 

These are  fascinating when viewed closely. They can grow in quarries and on on railway embankments (e.g. in or near Settle Calisle Line)  when the ground is mostly gravel and has not yet become colonised by dense vegetation

There is a good article on Bee Orchids written by Kevin Walker of Harrogate and of BSBI written this week here

2. Fragrant Orchids

Fragrant orchids -- smell .. Mmm fragrant - like a bottle of perfume . They have a long narrow spur at the back of the flower. 

These two Fragrant Orchids were photographed three weeks ago - they were just coming out.

Another Fragrant Orchid

3. Common Spotted Orchids  - Dactylorhiza fuschii can come in a variety of colours.

Bucker Brow  29 June 2020

(Guest phot from Colt Park Meadows  experimental plots)

4. Northern Marsh Orchid

It is hard to find a Northern Marsh Orchid within 2 miles of Settle.  I In the place I was searching I (a damp road verge) I only found one.. and looking at the picture now, even that may be a hybrid.

Twenty years ago there used to be lots at this site. Now there are none - apart from this specimen.  The vegetation is growing very rank, with Rosebay Willowherb and trees on the bank and uncut grass next to the road.

 

Any comments?  I am open to suggestions.  I am not an orchid expert.

Here is an old picture from Malham Tarn Fen of a Northern Marsh Orchid?

An old picture from Malham Tarn Fen

And here is one from Malham Tarn this year - but these are definitely "Guest photographs." I had to cheat and drive to get them, so it is out of my 3 mile walking radius of Settle.

Near Malham Tarn 9 June 2020

Click here for  more flowers coming out around Settle