Sunday, 5 July 2026

Frog Orchids in North Cumbria

A quick trip out to see our local  Orchids.

As you go onto the site, the first bank is home to Chalk Fragrant Orchids.

Chalk Fragrants with their long spurs.

Further in, Frog Orchids ....good to see they are still there!

This Frog promises to be an interesting colour....

And while my Twayblade picture was out of focus - the detail pics of a Ladybird and Chimney Sweeper Moth weren't.

A classic view over Skiddaw.

Wedholme

Back from Islay and time to catch up with life again ....with the odd trip out - obviously! 

A threatening sky.

Cotton Grass.

A calling Redshank up a tree - in lieu of a post to stand on. 

White-beaked Sedge and Great Sundew.


Bog Asphodel.

Black Darter.

Large Heath - and below.


Large Skipper.

Lamonby verges

After we had been to Eycott, back home via Lamonby verges (and the Old Crown pub at Hesket Newmarket).

The verges with Quaking Grass, Red Clover, Twayblade, Yellow Rattle, Common Spotted-orchid and various Hawkbits obvious in the picture above.

Plenty of Common Spotted.

Betony.

Common Spotted.

Common Spotted x Northern Marsh.

Northern Marsh.

Twayblade.

Eycott Hill

We are so lucky to have this beautiful reserve close by... 

Coronation Meadow - stunning.

Melancholy Thistles...

We saw at least 20 Small Pearl-bordered Fritillaries.

Bog Asphodel.

A spectacular clump of Heath Spotted Orchids.

Marsh Cinquefoil ....

Trying to get the shot....

Looking across to Carrock Fell from Eycott Hill.

The full panorama.

A very fat, I'm guessing pregnant, lizard.

Islay Field Sketches

As it was such nice weather, I was able to do some field sketches...The majority are of Ardnave.







This was a less good weather day - with mist/cloud coming up off the sea....







Saligo.

Saligo.

From the coast nr Bowmore... and below.


Waiting for the ferry home ...until next time!