Marsh Helliborines Not Ready Yet.....

Went down to Carnforth to check out the Marsh Helliborines, and as thought they are late coming through in fact I would say about three weeks behind, compared to 2010 and 2011. Also a little dissapointed in the counts. In 2010 I had 626 plants, in 2011 this rose to 1051 plants, but this year in comparison areas the total count was only 385 plants. But some good news and rallying back a little I did find another 4 new areas in which there were a count of 151 plants bringing the total to 536. But its becoming quite obvious they are not having their best year with reduction already of at least 50% on past numbers. I will have to check them out again in another three weeks.

The only Pyramidal Orchid which is at this site, was showing a "limpness" as though perhaps its been knocked or something. So for the record it remains a "solitary" which was the same in 2010, and 2011.

Twayblades were quite common and widespread, also the Restharrow is coming through strong as also is the Centaury and the Scarlet Pimpernel. Found a good 1 metre section of Bladder Campion. Also found some new Bee Orchids, but by now past their best, also found some Cinquefoil. The rarer Blue Fleabane has also gone missing this year. There wasn't much to start with just a single plant with about 6 shooting flowers, but this year its not showing. Lots of other flowers showing.

A Green Woodpecker and a continually calling "Chiffchaff" were present.

Had my first and lots of them "Meadow Browns" Butterflies, along with some Small Skippers and quite a few of the day flying "Burnet Companion Moth".