Early Spider Orchids (Dorset) - Are they up yet?

[AdeKing]

Hi Everyone,
I haven't posted in a while, but was wondering whether anyone in Dorset could help me.

I know its been a relatively cold start to the year, which has certainly likely to have delayed the flowering of the Lady Orchids at my local BBOWT Reserve in Oxfordshire, but at the moment I'm looking to visit the Durlston area next weekend for the Early Spider Orchids.

I know that these are normally up from the beginning of April, but as its quite a trek from Berkshire, I was wondering whether anyone can tell me whether the orchids are in flower yet?

So far I've only seen the leaves of the Lady, Monkey, Pyramidal & Common Spotted Orchids whilst doing conservation work at Hartslock, but I'm hoping for a good orchid season this year.

I'd be grateful for any help, as I'd like to avoid a wasted trip if I'm too early/too late for the Early Spiders.

Thanks,

Adrian

[arvensis]

Adrian,
If you go to the Durlston Country Park website, there's a tab at the top 'Durlston Today'. If you click on there, there's a daily diary from one of the rangers saying whats about. I had a quick look and it mentions some stunted ESO's.

Hope this helps, Mark

[Kayleigh]

Hi

[GuyF]

Hi Adrian,
As Mark has said your best bet is probably to check the Durlston site, here's a link to their daily diary - Durlston Country Park
Looking back to yesterdays entry they say that there are some orchids in flower, but they haven't yet reached their peak. I visited a couple of weekends back but I only managed to find some Early Spider Orchid leaves.
Good luck,
Guy

[IanS]

Must admit I have been wondering this too. Not much chance for me to get there though! I have heard next week is supposed to warm up a bit so things should start to get going again. I too will be paying a visit to Hartslock come May, lovely place...

[AdeKing]

Hi Everyone,
Thanks for your speedy replies about the ESO's.
Why I didn't think to look on the Durlston site, I'll never know, D'Oh!

I'll certainly be keeping the "Durlston Today" page bookmarked and will visit it frequently this week.

Hopefully the forecast warmer weather will encourage the orchids to flower.

Anyway, thanks once again for your help, its much appreciated.
Regards,

Ade

[solus]

As we had to be in Dorset for a family thing on 10th April, we went on afterwards to Durlston CP in the hopes of some early Early Spider Orchids. After being pointed in the right direction by one of the Wardens, we found one flower open then found another ourselves on the high ridge beyond the lighthouse with masses of leaf rosettes in several places promising a good show later. The Warden reckoned about now... Around the 2 pylons looked a good bet!
Good luck!

[AdeKing]

Hi Solus,
I had a successful day Orchid Hunting on Saturday.
We found the Early Spider Orchids amongst the old rusting farm equipment in the Saxon Field & on a ridge above the Pylons.

There are plenty of Early Gentians in flower between the two pylons, and there were also plenty of Early Purple & Green Winged Orchids in flower as well.

The Wardens & Volunteers were excellent, directing us to the relevant locations.

Thanks for your reply.
Regards,

Ade

[trevorc]

I wasn't looking for them so it was a nice surprise to find a number of Early Spider Orchids jat the top of the very steep slope NE from Seacombe on the path back towards the country park centre today.