Site visit :- New Ophrys apifera site

[fredg]

This roadside Ophrys apifera site had been pointed out to me by Daveyp a few years ago.
The only problen is that they have a nasty habit of cutting the grass at inopportune times so I've never seen the plants bloom before.
I thought this had happened once again this year until I stopped the car today and asked MrsG to have a look.
Well, I've never seen to many Bee Orchids in one place.
In a space 10m x 2m there must be well over a hundred 
Not much of a variation in markings, if any, it looks like all could be from the one self-polinating clone.


Sorry if there's too many photos but I can't help it with this subject 

[fredg]

I hope I have conveyed a reasonable impression of the site.

[Neil]

Very nice Fred

[John Aipassa]

What a beautiful sight to see. I have never encountered a bee orchid in the wild. It must be magical to see so many. Thanks for sharing. If you are willing to share the location, please pm me.

[daveyp1970]

Fred nice catch up on that site!

[Maggi Young]

What a beautiful sight to see. I have never encountered a bee orchid in the wild. It must be magical to see so many. Thanks for sharing.

I must echo John....I too was amazed to see this.... I had no idea there were English sites with that sort of population. Fantastic!

[Maren]

Terrific site. If you are willing to tell me where it is, please send me an email. I am going up "North" this weekend, so could visit on my way. It would be lovely.

[Maggi Young]

Fred, Davey, I have removed the postcodes for the sites you mention. While most forumists are good folks who would never dig  plants, there can be any number of  folks reading this who might be tempted.
Best if contact is made via pm to John A and Maren 

[daveyp1970]

Maggie no probs.

[Maggi Young]

Thanks Fred and Davey... better safe, eh! 

[daveyp1970]

I sort of take these sites for granted Maggie and 100% shouldn't.Fred if your giving Maren the details tell her about the Dact site further down the road on the wasteland also Portland Park.Infact if you could meet her you could do an orchid tour.

[fredg]

It's not that site Dave

[daveyp1970]

It's not that site Dave

Righty O Fred i know where you mean now mate

[Peter Maguire]

Maren, don't know how far 'north' you are coming this weekend - Peterborugh is 'south' to us. 
If you are in Co Durham on Sunday, our local group is visiting the Epipactis atrorubens main site on Sunday afternoon. I'm sure you'd be welcome as a guest.

[Maren]

Peter,
what a nice invitation.  Normally I would have jumped at the opportunity but I am committed to attending the BOC Judging Symposium at Peterborough on the Sunday (duty before pleasure . Maybe next year?