Bog Orchids

Sean had kindly agreed to meet us at a site he knows in mid-Wales to look for the diminutive and rare Bog Orchid. This species rarely grows more than a10 cm high and generally much less. It usually requires pristine acidic bog habitat with slow moving water and it's essential the runnels and flushes it prefers doesn't dry out in the summer. Its disappeared from over 60% of its historical range in the UK which is a measure of its rarity and the diminishing habitat it prefers.

Meeting in the allotted spot after a scenic journey punctuated by calls of 'Red Kite' from Mark we met up with Richard & David who I'd met on a previous orchid expedition with Sean to Kenfig - see here for trip details.

Unfortunately the flush where the Bog Orchids were seen in previous years had dried out quite a bit during last summers hot weather and was invaded by coarse grasses. Not ideal for Bog Orchids. Sean knew another site a few minutes drive away but we encountered the same problem there and after a fruitless search despondently called it a day.

However, Richard had seen a likley looking flush firther along the hillside from our first location and whilst we had to head back home he conducted a through search and ultimately found the prize we were looking for.

A few days later I found myself heading south again and armed with Richards directions soon found my first Bog Orchid. David then appeared and we soon found another 5 of these tiny plants.

This kind of habitat has an amazing variety of flora and fauna associated with it and insectivorous Sundews were everywhere.

Other bog loving plants were Bog Asphodel (photos below), Milkwort and Marsh St Johns Wort.

Insects were represented by Golden-ringed Dragonfly and Black Skimmer whilst a Giant Dark Horsefly was dozy enough in the cool weather to sit on my hand and have its photo taken.

A tatty Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary also put in an appearance and as well as the ubiquitous Red Kites the area held breeding Whinchat and Common Sandpiper.

A fabulous place.