Friday, May 29, 2020

Stockbury Hill Wood & Queendown Warren - 28th May

Thanks to the very friendly man I met at Yockletts Bank a couple of days ago who told me about the five Lesser Butterfly Orchids at Stockbury Hill Wood near Maidstone in Kent. They turned out to be quite easy to find, just off the main path, with a couple of spikes just about in perfect condition. There were also a few Lady Orchids still in flower although most were past their best.

Lesser Butterfly Orchid
Lesser Butterfly Orchid
Lesser Butterfly Orchid
Lesser Butterfly Orchid
Lesser Butterfly Orchid
Lesser Butterfly Orchid
Lady Orchid

Later in the morning I drove to nearby Queendown Warren NNR where the Adonis Blues were out in good numbers together with some Common Blues, 1 Grizzled Skipper and my first Large Skipper of the year. There were also a few Man Orchids dotted around the reserve and the Fragrant Orchids were just starting to come into bloom.

female Adonis Blue
Grizzled Skipper
male Adonis Blue
Man Orchid
Man Orchid