I found bee orchids in Clopton Field

A number of us regularly look out for bee orchids up the Welcombe Hills. Usually, we look out for the flowers to appear. This is because once the spring growth gets going  the leaves can be difficult to spot in amongst the grass. They have also tended to appear singly and not always in the same place making discovery that much more of a challenge. 

I was walking up the Hills marvelling at the lushness of the grass which the weather hasn't told to take a winter rest. Here and there plants were starting to show and then, eyes glued to the ground, I came across a patch of bee orchid plants. They are quite distinctive with pointed finger-like leaves growing out laterally from a tight rosette in the centre. I counted 7 of these in one small area. I find that when you 'get your eye in' it becomes easier to spot things and judging by the number of other bee orchid plants I subsequently came across this year could be a good one for them.

How many will actually flower is another matter. Those with 2 and 4 feet will no doubt play their part in deciding which plants make it to  flower. Bee orchids are common in England but not so common up the Welcombe. This adds to the pleasure of finding them in flower.

I came across a blog link from a group mapping the orchids in their area. It might be fun to create a map of where these bee orchids are coming through up the Welcombe and then we can see just how many make it to flower. Here is some more information abut the bee orchid.

As well as the bee orchids which flower in June/July, look out for cowslips all over the hills and especially on the slopes that catch the sun and near bushes. The last few years have been good for them.