Andy and I planned an action packed day over in Kent covering four different sites for orchids and butterflies. First a quick stop just off the main road at Blue Bell Hill where we found a magnificent looking Bee Orchid, with deep rich colours, together with Common Spotted and Pyramidal Orchids.
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| Bee Orchid |
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| Bee Orchid |
Next on to Darlands Bank where the Man Orchids were now flowering in considerable numbers, some in large colonies near the bottom of the hill. We also found a single female Small Blue.
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| Man Orchid |
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| Man Orchid |
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| Man Orchid |
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| Man Orchid |
A quick stop at Stockbury Hill Wood was rewarded with four Lesser Butterfly Orchids and some Lady Orchids still in flower.
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| Lady Orchid |
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| Lady Orchid |
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| Lesser Butterfly Orchid |
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| Lesser Butterfly Orchid |
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| Lesser Butterfly Orchid |
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| Lesser Butterfly Orchid |
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| Lesser Butterfly Orchid |
Despite feeling a little weary (it was getting quite warm) we left just enough time to look around East Blean Woods. After a few brief glimpses of Heath Fritillaries we finally found a bramble bush where 5-6 were nectaring and hence were able to get some photos. A Crab Spider provided a bonus.
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| Crab Spider |
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| Heath Fritillary |
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| Heath Fritillary |
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| Heath Fritillaries pairing |
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| Heath Fritillaries pairing |