I always look forward to visiting Ainsdale Dunes in July, hunting for both orchids and butterflies. The ecology of the dune slacks is fascinating and so different to other areas on the circuit. Today it turned out I was a little too early for the Dune Helleborines, most of which were in bud with only a few in flower although they of course looked very fresh. Throughout the Scots Pine forest I also found a few Green-flowered Helleborines. At the edge of the forest where it meets the dunes there were a few Grayling and a Speckled Wood.
Dune Helleborine Dune Helleborine Dune Helleborine Dune Helleborine Dune Helleborine Green-flowered Helleborine Green-flowered Helleborine Green-flowered Helleborine Grayling Grayling Speckled Wood
