A pilgrimage to see this beautiful little plant. It is scarce in Cumbria and nationally near threatened; occuring in only a handful of locations. It is more common in southern England, but has declined everywhere due to agricultural intensification. It has never been recorded in Scotland so we were at its northern extreme. The site we went to was near Silverdale in north Lancashire and there was a good display; although noticeably smaller than last year - possibly due to the dry conditions earlier in the year. I love its Latin name Spiranthes spiralis ...it does what it says on the tin!
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| Looking across Morecambe Bay. |
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| From the field across to Silverdale. |
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| The bank where it is found - I find it amazing that something so rare should be so abundant in one tiny field. |
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| Autumn Lady's-tresses. |
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| ...and close up. |
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