Back over to Kent today with a first visit to Darlands Bank near Gillingham which has the reputation of having one of the largest colonies of Man Orchids in the UK. I figured that given the cool Spring that I might be a little early and that turned out to be the case with most of the plants I found just coming into flower. Still this looked like a great place to come back to in a couple of weeks’ time when they should be nearer their peak. Thereafter I headed down to Yockletts Bank where things were now in full swing compared to my visit just over a week ago. Plenty of Lady and Fly Orchids in full flower including a very pale coloured Lady Orchid. Common Twayblade were also plentiful and the White Helleborine were just beginning to flower.
Man Orchid |
Man Orchid |
Man Orchid |
Man Orchid |
Man Orchid |
White Helleborine |
Lady Orchid |
Lady Orchid |
Lady Orchid |
Lady Orchid |
Lady Orchid |
Lady Orchid |
Fly Orchid |
Fly Orchid |
Fly Orchid |
Fly Orchid |
Common Twayblade |