My first trip of the year to the former chemical site near Bolton that is now designated as an SSSI on account of its unusual profusion of orchids. Today there was a real range of different species on show. First up the Marsh Helleborines were in flower although some were starting to go over a little. I also found a single Common Spotted Orchid var. rhodochila (in amongst the regular CSOs) which was a first for me. This var. is hyperchromatic and has an unusual concentration of the pink colour of the petals. There were also a few very impressive Southern Marsh Orchids and a single tall Bee Orchid. As always there were plenty of Marsh Fragrant Orchids and I also found at least one hybrid Common Spotted x Marsh Fragrant Orchid. To top it all a few Early Marsh Orchids var. incarnata!
Marsh Helleborine Marsh Helleborine Bee Orchid Common Spotted Orchid Common Spotted Orchid Common Spotted Orchid Common Spotted Orchid Common Spotted Orchid Common Spotted Orchid var. rhodochila Common Spotted Orchid var. rhodochila Common Spotted Orchid var. rhodochila Common Spotted x Marsh Fragrant Orchid Common Spotted x Marsh Fragrant Orchid Common Twayblade Early Marsh Orchid var. incarnata Early Marsh Orchid var. incarnata Marsh Fragrant Orchid Marsh Fragrant Orchid Marsh Fragrant Orchid Marsh Fragrant Orchid Southern Marsh Orchid Southern Marsh Orchid
