| Chris has prepared a table of previous records of Broad leaved Helleborine shown below. This should help with any planned searches Site |
Location/comment |
Grid Ref |
|
| Stockgrove Country Park CWS | SP918292 | 6 June 2007 | |
| Kings Wood, Heath and Reach | HS 30b. Ride | SP92952950 | 17-Jul-2003 |
| Kings Wood, Heath and Reach | E side of ride to W of J-shaped lake. | SP93122987 | 26-Jul-2005 |
| Kings Wood, Heath and Reach | E side of ride to W of J-shaped lake. | SP93142990 | 26-Jul-2005 |
| King's Wood, Heath and Reach | SP92J | 21-Jul-1946 | |
| Sandhouse Lane Pit (S) NR | SP936298 | 9-Jun-1999 | |
| Home Wood, Potsgrove CWS | SP955294 | 6-Jul-1980 | |
| Blackgrove Wood | SP9723 | 27-Jul-1943 | |
| Blackgrove Wood | SP9723 | 7-Aug-1945 | |
| Blackgrove Wood | HS 52 - Rare | SP97902362 | 27-Aug-1950 |
| Bushycommon Wood CWS | N side of ride. | SP94023038 | 8-Jun-2004 |
| Palmers Shrubs CWS | SP981315 | 3-May-1980 | |
| Washers and Daintry Woods CWS | SP995313 | 25-Aug-1981 | |
| Park Wood CWS | SP933582 | 6-Aug-1980 | |
| Park Wood CWS | SP932583 | 31-Dec-1980 | |
| Harrold Country Park CWS | In spinney NW of cafe. | SP958567 | 16-Aug-2003 |
| Harrold Country Park CWS | 7m W of pth, just N of visitor seating area | SP954567 | 30-Aug-2004 |
| Forty Acre Woods CWS | SP943599 | 19-Jun-1979 | |
| Great Oaks Wood CWS | SP965537 | 31-Dec-1980 | |
| Brownage and Louse Acre Woods CWS | W of ride and one near track to E (on W of ride). | SP965598 | 16-Jul-2000 |
| Colworth House | Side of Colworth House drive. The Swell | SP988598 | 30-May-1995 |
| Felmersham Gravel Pits SSSI | SP989583 | 17-Aug-1986 | |
| Felmersham Gravel Pits SSSI | SP993588 | 12-Jun-1988 | |
| Felmersham Gravel Pits SSSI | SP991584 | 27-Jul-1991 | |
| Felmersham Gravel Pits SSSI | SP95Z | 18-Aug-1996 | |
| Felmersham Gravel Pits SSSI | SP990584 | 31-Jul-2004 | |
| Felmersham Gravel Pits SSSI | SP99205850 | 24-Jul-2006 | |
| Brownage and Louse Acre Woods CWS | W of ride. | SP964602 | 16-Jul-2000 |
| Colworth Thicket CWS | SP974612 | 14-Aug-1981 | |
| Colworth Thicket CWS | Half-way along clearing, N of ride, on N side of ditch. | SP972613 | 17-Jun-2000 |
| Great Hayes Wood | HS 3b - Rare | SP96576185 | 16-Apr-1950 |
| Great Hayes Wood CWS | HS 3a. Ride | SP96566184 | 7-Jul-2003 |
| Great Hayes Wood CWS | HS 3b. Woodland | SP96556166 | 7-Jul-2003 |
| Halsey Wood CWS | SE of track from Halsey Farm, past two bends | SP994612 | 11-Jun-2000 |
| Caddington | Local in woods | TL01U | 1882 |
| Woodside | on Mr. Brigg's farm | TL01U | 1911 |
| Kidney Wood | TL0919 | 8-Aug-1885 | |
| Luton | Stockwood Park | TL01Z | 30-Jun-1888 |
| Stockwood Park | TL01Z | 1888 | |
| Fancott Woods and Meadows SSSI | Chalton Spinney | TL026275 | 27-Jun-1980 |
| Sundon | Local in woods | TL02P | 1882 |
| Bramingham Wood | TL02S | 1990 | |
| Great Bramingham | Local in woods | TL02S | 1882 |
| Wrest Park Grounds CWS | TL09353525 | 24-May-1989 | |
| King's Wood, Houghton Conquest | TL04K | 1886 | |
| Wilstead Wood | TL04R | 4-Aug-1940 | |
| Wilstead Wood | HS 34b - Rare | TL073426 | 4-Sep-1950 |
| Haynes | TL04V | 1886 | |
| Eastcotts | Hammer Hill | TL04W | 1881 |
| Wilstead | Growing at the bottom of hawthorn hedge dividing arable | TL087429 | 16-Jul-2000 |
| Exeter Wood CWS | portion in TL04X | TL098443 | 30-May-1989 |
| Oakley | TL05B | 1918 | |
| Thurleigh | Woods, July, P. Rare. | TL05P | 1798 |
| Thurleigh | TL05P | 1798 | |
| Great Wood, Ravensden | TL064555 | 31-Dec-1981 | |
| Riseley | TL06G | 31-Dec-1994 | |
| Riseley | TL06L | 1875 | |
| Shillington | Shillington Wood | TL13B | 31-Aug-1844 |
| Cainhoe | Drawing; as spider orchid | TL13D | 1840 |
| Warden Great Wood | TL14B | 26-Jul-1864 | |
| Warden Great Wood CWS | TL110430 | 30-May-1989 | |
| Warden Great Wood CWS | TL110432 | 30-May-1989 | |
| Exeter Wood CWS | TL100442 | 27-Apr-1980 | |
| Exeter Wood CWS | TL100442 | 30-May-1989 | |
| Sheerhatch Wood | TL14I | 1795 | |
| Sheerhatch Wood | Sheerhatch | TL14I | 1798 |
| Sheerhatch Wood | Sheerhatch | TL14I | 1798 |
| Swiss Garden Woodland CWS | Woodland and lake edge | TL148447 | 31-Dec-1998 |
| Bedford - Sandy Disused Railway | Willington cycleway | TL103502 | 20-Aug-2004 |
| Bedford - Sandy Disused Railway | TL10235025 | 25-Jun-2006 | |
| Bedford - Sandy Disused Railway | Willington | TL103502 | 10 June 2008 |
| Willington | Bridleway. | TL10355024 | 27-Jul-2004 |
| Bushmead Big Wood CWS | TL11896027 | 21-Jun-2002 |
Tuesday, 6 August 2013
Helleborine how do you do!
Wednesday, 31 July 2013
Have a hell of a time! Helleborines to round off a busy summer
After much activity visiting our grasslands in searing heat and recording bumper numbers of mid summer orchids the season begins to wind down to the gentle pursuit of helleborines in shady woodland rides.
Bedfordshire has recent records of three Epipactis helleborines to look out for and one other that used to occur relatively recently.
Marsh Helleborine. Photo Richard Revells
Chris`s flora of the county records Marsh Helleborine as having been long considered extinct in the county but appeared in a wet flush in the sunken path on Bison Hill, Whipsnade in 1966 and was seen for about 6 years.
It would be worth looking here again but also in the wet areas of our chalk or limestone quarries. I fancy Sundon and Houghton Regis chalk pits as likely locations..but any regularly wet flushed area, however small on chalky soils could hold this species.
The Violet Helleborine is just coming out with a record already received for Kings Wood, Houghton Conquest. Keep an eye out for this attractive plant in the Studham/Whipsnade area. Even a trip to the Zoo could reveal the purple tinged stems beneath trees on the top of the chalk scarp! look out for elephants though.
But be prepared to see this plant in even small woods anywhere in the county. It can tolerate deep shade.
Here are two of Richard Revels` photos of Violet Helleborine.
Violet Helleborine..violet tinged stems and leaves. Lower leaves longer than wide.
Violet Helleborine
The Broad-leaved Helleborine is more likely to be encountered and the most recent records are from woodlands on the Greensand ridge, north of the ridge and in the north west of the county. It does also occur in the south and could be found in almost any woodland or even on grassland that may have been recently scrubby, with colonies needing recording at Fancott wood and Felmersham nature reserves. Look for it at ride and path edges
Broad-leaved Helleborine. Photo Richard Revells. Flowers may vary in colour with some almost wine red others green.
The Green-flowered Helleborine is a rare orchid in Bedfordshire but nevertheless worth looking out for.
We have records submitted already for the Barton cutting on the A6 in traditional areas, but the new woodland associated with the cutting may hold this species as it has some reputation of appearing in new locations and any woodland should be looked at in the Barton to Pegsdon area.
The "Barton Caves" area on Old Road Barton being one old location.
Grren-flowered Helleborine. Photo Richard Revels. Was also known as Pendulous- flowered Helleborine the flowers dangling on large pods. The flowers are frequently not as open as this and are self -pollinated.
Green-flowered Helleborine. Photo Richard Revels. Ovaries hairless
Green-flowered Helleborine with irregular clumps of cilia along leaf margin compared with an even fringe in other Helleborines.
A hand lens is useful here!
Good luck with your searches and i look forward to your records.
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Bedfordshire has recent records of three Epipactis helleborines to look out for and one other that used to occur relatively recently.
Chris`s flora of the county records Marsh Helleborine as having been long considered extinct in the county but appeared in a wet flush in the sunken path on Bison Hill, Whipsnade in 1966 and was seen for about 6 years.
It would be worth looking here again but also in the wet areas of our chalk or limestone quarries. I fancy Sundon and Houghton Regis chalk pits as likely locations..but any regularly wet flushed area, however small on chalky soils could hold this species.
The Violet Helleborine is just coming out with a record already received for Kings Wood, Houghton Conquest. Keep an eye out for this attractive plant in the Studham/Whipsnade area. Even a trip to the Zoo could reveal the purple tinged stems beneath trees on the top of the chalk scarp! look out for elephants though.
But be prepared to see this plant in even small woods anywhere in the county. It can tolerate deep shade.
Here are two of Richard Revels` photos of Violet Helleborine.
The Broad-leaved Helleborine is more likely to be encountered and the most recent records are from woodlands on the Greensand ridge, north of the ridge and in the north west of the county. It does also occur in the south and could be found in almost any woodland or even on grassland that may have been recently scrubby, with colonies needing recording at Fancott wood and Felmersham nature reserves. Look for it at ride and path edges
Broad-leaved Helleborine. Photo Richard Revels. Note broad leaves usually spirally arranged on stem rather than two rows opposite each other. Lower leaves as broad as is wide.
Broad-leaved Helleborine. Photo Richard Revells. Flowers may vary in colour with some almost wine red others green.
The Green-flowered Helleborine is a rare orchid in Bedfordshire but nevertheless worth looking out for.
We have records submitted already for the Barton cutting on the A6 in traditional areas, but the new woodland associated with the cutting may hold this species as it has some reputation of appearing in new locations and any woodland should be looked at in the Barton to Pegsdon area.
The "Barton Caves" area on Old Road Barton being one old location.
Grren-flowered Helleborine. Photo Richard Revels. Was also known as Pendulous- flowered Helleborine the flowers dangling on large pods. The flowers are frequently not as open as this and are self -pollinated.
Green-flowered Helleborine. Photo Richard Revels. Ovaries hairless
Green-flowered Helleborine with irregular clumps of cilia along leaf margin compared with an even fringe in other Helleborines.
A hand lens is useful here!
Good luck with your searches and i look forward to your records.
Sunday, 14 July 2013
Surprize Lizard....
Just when the mid summer flowering orchids are tailing off we have a Lizard Orchid.
Chris`s Flora records the last known sighting as 1953 in the Harlington/Sundon area.
While clearing an allotment some years ago the allotment holder noticed some unusual leaves. The clod of earth with the leaves were potted up to see what they were and taken home..the years passed...until this year when a flower spike emerged.
Chris`s Flora records the last known sighting as 1953 in the Harlington/Sundon area.
While clearing an allotment some years ago the allotment holder noticed some unusual leaves. The clod of earth with the leaves were potted up to see what they were and taken home..the years passed...until this year when a flower spike emerged.
This splendid Orchid came from the Stotfold area and is in flower now. It is just possible that there may be overlooked plants in the area. If anyone fancies a walk of footpaths, grassy waste areas, road verges and chalky areas..perhaps the Blue Lagoon...you could be rewarded with a lizard!..and instant fame.
If you like the smell of Billy Goat then you will like this orchid! It can be very strong!
Good hunting!
Friday, 12 July 2013
Pyramid peak
Thank you everyone who have been out to fill in the Common Spotted Orchid gaps, we now have over 1100 Adnoto records for all Orchids in Bedfordshire.
Some unusual forms of Common Spotted have been discovered including this hybrid with Fragrant Orchid taken by Geraldine and Richard Hogg at Barton hills.
Alex Laurie also found the scarce Common Spotted variant rhodochila again at Barton hills.
Some plants of Common Spotted do very well and become robust, tall and have multiple flowering stems. Below is the "Beast" of Duck End with over a dozen spikes.
Large CSO
Pyramidal Orchids are currently at their peak of flowering and some impressive colonies have been reported, some in their thousands with Sharpenhoe appearing to have more than its fair share!
Pyramids
Pyramids have done well on the chalk where previously cultivated land has been put back to grassland and large colonies have established themselves within 20 years. There will still be colonies to record of both Common spotted and Pyramid so please keep an eye out.
Bee orchid can also build up impressive numbers on land only recently used for agriculture and they can colonise amenity land as well as farmland, Churchyards and burial grounds where they can be mown in the name of tidyness when just at their peak.
As the County flower of Bedfordshire they deserve better!
Magnificent Bees in grassland adjacent to burial ground..sadly mown soon afterwards.
Frog and Musk Orchid are out in flower now so do keep a look out for these hard to find species.
Musk may be found in the Totternhoe area on previosly worked quarry land that has been colonised by chalk grassland, other quarries and chalky roadsides would be worth visits in the Sundon and Sharpenhoe area where there used to be colonies of this species.
Look out for the honey scented golden spikes only two to four inches high in the grassland..but watch where you put your feet..mine are much better at finding them than my eyes!
Musk Orchid clump.
Frogs are quite hard to spot as well and as they are usually small, green, occur on short grassland often close to paths are also vulnerable to being trampled.
We are fortunate in having several colonies on the western chalk but they are easily overlooked so if you visit Dunstable to Whipsnade Downs or the Zoo please keep an eye out and record any that are found.
Any record of pollinators of orchids or the swelling of pods indicating that pollination has been successful will be welcome.
Bees do well and have self pollination if not pollinated by an insect. Common Spotted and Twayblade have good seed production with many swollen seed pods but our scarcer species like Man and Burnt Orchid are showing low numbers of developing seed pods. Others may develop seed pods but are either trampled or eaten before seed is shed..it would be interesting to know how our species are doing.
As the summer flowering orchids start to come to a close we can anticipate the late summer flowering of the Helleborines.
Good luck!
Some unusual forms of Common Spotted have been discovered including this hybrid with Fragrant Orchid taken by Geraldine and Richard Hogg at Barton hills.
 |
| CSO/Fragrant hybrid |
Some plants of Common Spotted do very well and become robust, tall and have multiple flowering stems. Below is the "Beast" of Duck End with over a dozen spikes.
Pyramidal Orchids are currently at their peak of flowering and some impressive colonies have been reported, some in their thousands with Sharpenhoe appearing to have more than its fair share!
Pyramids have done well on the chalk where previously cultivated land has been put back to grassland and large colonies have established themselves within 20 years. There will still be colonies to record of both Common spotted and Pyramid so please keep an eye out.
Bee orchid can also build up impressive numbers on land only recently used for agriculture and they can colonise amenity land as well as farmland, Churchyards and burial grounds where they can be mown in the name of tidyness when just at their peak.
As the County flower of Bedfordshire they deserve better!
Frog and Musk Orchid are out in flower now so do keep a look out for these hard to find species.
Musk may be found in the Totternhoe area on previosly worked quarry land that has been colonised by chalk grassland, other quarries and chalky roadsides would be worth visits in the Sundon and Sharpenhoe area where there used to be colonies of this species.
Look out for the honey scented golden spikes only two to four inches high in the grassland..but watch where you put your feet..mine are much better at finding them than my eyes!
Frogs are quite hard to spot as well and as they are usually small, green, occur on short grassland often close to paths are also vulnerable to being trampled.
We are fortunate in having several colonies on the western chalk but they are easily overlooked so if you visit Dunstable to Whipsnade Downs or the Zoo please keep an eye out and record any that are found.
Any record of pollinators of orchids or the swelling of pods indicating that pollination has been successful will be welcome.
Bees do well and have self pollination if not pollinated by an insect. Common Spotted and Twayblade have good seed production with many swollen seed pods but our scarcer species like Man and Burnt Orchid are showing low numbers of developing seed pods. Others may develop seed pods but are either trampled or eaten before seed is shed..it would be interesting to know how our species are doing.
As the summer flowering orchids start to come to a close we can anticipate the late summer flowering of the Helleborines.
Good luck!
Friday, 28 June 2013
CSO maps 2!.. Fill the Gaps
Common Spotted Orchid screen shots continued....
can you fill the gaps?
The South shows the Totternhoe block, but very sparse elsewhere with none yet entered for Blow`s down, Houghton Regis or Cottage Bottom.
Mid East of the County again shows a sparse coverage where there will be records up the river valleys and along footpaths.
Good luck with your hunting and lets fill some of these gaps!
Fragrant summer...
Thank you to everyone who have sent orchid records in on Adnoto. It seems to be a good year for Fragrant Orchids on the Chalk with some decent colonies at Barton Hills.
Common Spotted Orchids are doing well and there must be even more that can be found.
Below are some screen shots of Adnoto showing the location of records sent in as of yesterday for Common Spotted Orchid, you can see there are considerable areas with no records..i feel sure there will be plants along unexplored footpaths and trackways. Do get out and have a look..you never know what else you may find!
The North of the county shows records on the road verges around Thurleigh and on the Nature reserve at Felmersham but large areas with no current records..footpaths and river side grassland are all worth a look now.
The South West shows a lot of records on the chalk ridge and at Totternhoe but a big gap around Woburn the M1 and Flitwick
The mid East shows again the concentration on the chalk but a large gap on the Greensand ridge and clay areas.
Common Spotted Orchids are doing well and there must be even more that can be found.
Below are some screen shots of Adnoto showing the location of records sent in as of yesterday for Common Spotted Orchid, you can see there are considerable areas with no records..i feel sure there will be plants along unexplored footpaths and trackways. Do get out and have a look..you never know what else you may find!
The North of the county shows records on the road verges around Thurleigh and on the Nature reserve at Felmersham but large areas with no current records..footpaths and river side grassland are all worth a look now.
The South West shows a lot of records on the chalk ridge and at Totternhoe but a big gap around Woburn the M1 and Flitwick
The mid East shows again the concentration on the chalk but a large gap on the Greensand ridge and clay areas.
Monday, 24 June 2013
Bee prepared...
Yes! Bee Orchids are now out and about.
Time to check on those leaves you recorded earlier in the year to see how many have flowered.
Yesterday you were busy finding and recording orchids.
We received 58 Adnoto entries recording over 3,600 flowering plants. Many of these were Common Spotted Orchids which are having a good year so far. Do get out and enjoy them.
Time to check on those leaves you recorded earlier in the year to see how many have flowered.
Yesterday you were busy finding and recording orchids.
We received 58 Adnoto entries recording over 3,600 flowering plants. Many of these were Common Spotted Orchids which are having a good year so far. Do get out and enjoy them.
Wilf Powell`s photo shows just how beautifull a good show of orchids can be.
Fragrant Orchids seem to having a good year also with good numbers recorded for Barton Hills, and i saw my first Pyramidal Orchids in flower yesterday.
Now is also a good time to visit any wet areas to see if there are any marsh orchids. They are in flower on Cowslip Meadow in Luton but because of the drainage of our wetlands are now scarce in the county.
Happy hunting!
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