The sudden change in weather inspired us to wander the North Downs Way, from Dorking. The bluebells are so late, unlike their thuggy Spanish cousins who seem determined to take over the world. Our natives are so much more delicate, scented and a rich purple-tinged blue. Even the old name, Endymion non-scriptus is more poetic than Hyacinthoides hispanica. Sadly instead of commemorating the handsome Greek hero beloved of Goddesses it's now just another hyacinth.
I've now collected (photographically) 14 of the British native orchids, having found a small clump of Bird's-nest Orchids (Neottia nidus-avis) today near Dorking. Very pleasing as my book lists them as "near threatened". Curious creatures, totally dependant for food on fungi which they parasitise, the fungi in turn depend on the trees, usually beech, for food.
It's always good to see an old friend, Common (not very!) Twayblade.
All in all a very good day's walking.
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