Gait Barrow Nature Reserve - Part 2

Yesterday we showed a few of the plants to be seen at present in the reserve (see here) but we didn't include the orchids. These need a post of their own.

Common-spotted orchids were there in their hundreds..

as were many others which we've not yet identified..

including these fine specimens..

But the real treat was to see these Lady's Slipper orchids. Although past their best, they are still a fabulous flower...

Next year we'll be sure to visit mid May to see them in their full glory.

Gait Barrow Nature Reserve: Part 1

Gait Barrow Nature Reserve is about seven miles north of us and we enjoyed it so much that we've been twice this week.

What we're posting over the next couple of days is just a snapshot of the whole, so if you'd like more information there is a leaflet in PDF format here

First the plants..

Birdsfoot trefoil was prolific.

Birdseye Primrose - a little past its best by now but still lovely..

Yellow water lily; the flowers of this waterlily stand several centimetres proud of the water

White water-lilies out on Haweswater..

Still they come... the lovely violet..

The most natural of fern gardens..

Common Rock Rose, growing in its perfect environment!

Common Valerian..

Slender St John's Wort..

Bugle...

Yellow Rattle

Swathes of Ragged Robin..

I think this could be Hard Fern. It isn't one I've come across before but it is a very elegant specimen..

  Ox-eye daisy..

Stonecrop

Thyme..

Meadow Sweet..

Germander - I think. It's my best guess anyway.. 

Likewise, broad leaved helliborine.. Susan? John? any thoughts please?

Foxglove

And a whole array of grasses

And then there were the orchids.. but we will try and do them justice tomorrow!