A quick trip up to Headend Quarry to check on the orchids was quickly rewarded with a frog orchid. Frog orchids were once common at Headend, with at least 75 individuals in 1987, however since recording ceased in 2009 there have been no subsequent records, after a gradual decline. Last year, Tom found a single orchid -click here- which didn't flower this year. So, after Tom visiting over 10 times in search of this rarity this year, finally finding a specimen in perfect condition was a real treat.
Also at the quarry is a floristic splendour of fragrant and common spotted orchids, twayblades, hare bells and scabious.
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| Chalk fragrant orchid (with six-spot burnet). |
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| Common spotted orchid. |
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| Common spotted orchid, with common twayblade in the background. |
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| Spectacular stands of common twayblade going to seed. |
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| Common twayblade. |
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| The contorted yellowing leaves of the common twayblade. |
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| A diminutive frog orchid. |
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| Frog orchid. |
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| Harebells. |
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| Harebells. |
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