Late Spider Orchid (Wye)

[nejire]

Hi everyone.
I am planning to go to Wye, Kent on one of Sundays in June (or July) to see the Late Spider Orchid. Anyone found one in flower in Wye (in Kent) yet? Thanks.

[the young hunter]

I meant to make a trip there last year but I didn't know where exactly they were (it's a big place!). John Devries offered to show me but they had already gone over

But I did find one at Park Gate Down nearby - it's a well known site for this species (as well as MANY others) and is mentioned as being there on the internet so I am not disclosing any restricted information.

Mike

[nejire]

Thanks for the reply, the young hunter!
I have a book called "Orchids of Britain and Ireland" by Anne and Simon Harrap and it mentions about Wye as well as Park Gate Down. I am thinking to go a place and ask for advice about whereabouts at the visitor centre (I hope there is one and people there are friendly!).

I would like to know the best time for this. Any advice? If anybody knows whether there is/are visitor centre(s) there (Wye, Park Gate Down, or somewhere else in Kent), whether people are friendly, or any other information, it would be great.

Also, I am a very new member (actually just joined yesterday). I am hoping I am doing in a correct way, but if not, please advise me that as well. Thanks.

[the young hunter]

Unfortunately, like many of these reserves, the only indication you are in the right place is a small information board by the side of the road and it is the same with Wye.

Your best bet is to phone Kent Wildlife Trust and ask them about the situation of the Late-spiders at Wye. If you fancy a trip to Park Gate (and I definately recommend this!) you can contact Ian Rickards who is the warden and his email address is at the bottom of this webpage: ParkGate_Down The site is public but is certainly best to ask which species are currently in flower and of course whether the Late-spider is out/there.

In my experience, a lot of hard graft is needed to find orchids of this rarity but the Late-Spiders might be easier because at least they are caged so should be easier to spot if you're in the right area at Wye.

Mike

[nejire]

Thanks, Mike for your information.
I will definitely phone and ask, and also email the warden.
Hopefully I will show you some photographs of the flowers soon.

Many thanks,

nejire

[the young hunter]

Can't wait to see them

Think I will go to Wye next year - it's all about the coralroot and bog orchid this year

There were 72 Musk Orchid at Park Gate last year so if you haven't seen it....
They were marked with white plastic plant labels last time we went so not hard to find!

Mike

[nejire]

No, I haven't seen musk orchid so it would be nice to see them too.
Thanks for your help, Mike!

nejire