Orchids in Anglesey

jeffnsue · #1 (**permalink**) 22-06-2011, 06:41 AM

Hi everyone, why has it taken me so long to find this site!

We're planning a day out in Anglesey later this week looking for orchids. Having trailed all the way to Barnack to draw a blank on Man Orchid we're a bit cautious in this odd orchid year.

Does anyone know what orchids are in flower now at Newborough and Cors Goch? There's also a cliff-top site near Fedw Fawr that is usually good but who knows this year.

Can anyone help please, and does anyone know what's flowering at Great Orme too.

Thanks
Jeff

PS: Might seek help on my Marsh Orchids when I learn how to post photos

Dorts · #2 (**permalink**) 22-06-2011, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffnsue

Hi everyone, why has it taken me so long to find this site!
We're planning a day out in Anglesey later this week looking for orchids. Having trailed all the way to Barnack to draw a blank on Man Orchid we're a bit cautious in this odd orchid year.

Does anyone know what orchids are in flower now at Newborough and Cors Goch?
Can anyone help please, and does anyone know what's flowering at Great Orme too.
Thanks
Jeff
PS: Might seek help on my Marsh Orchids when I learn how to post photos

Hi Jeff, a warm welcome to WAB. It just happens I'm off to Newborough today. Hope to find :
Common Spotted.
Northern Marsh.
Early Marsh
Early Marsh var. coccinea
Bee Orchid var. bicolor.
Poss. an early Marsh Helleborine in flower.
plus various Orchid Hybrids.
Plus many other good plants.
Just hoping it doesn't rain!

Re. Cors Goch. I seem to remember Mike (Young Hunter) was there a few days ago, he may help on that one, but for sure there will be plenty of good stuff still in flower.
all the best.

Re: The Great Orme, I've not been up there for a few weeks so can't be sure what's in flower, but always worth a visit.

Any plants you're not sure of, post your pics, there are plenty on here who can help.
Dorts.

jeffnsue · #3 (**permalink**) 22-06-2011, 09:54 AM

Thanks Dorts, will report back!
Also, will upload Marsh Orchid photos later today. Some are straightforward but others puzzle me.
Jeff

the young hunter · #4 (**permalink**) 23-06-2011, 11:33 AM

Hi there Jeff,

I was indeed there in late May so it's been a good month but I can certainly direct you towards Cors Goch. On the 29th, good numbers of unusually robust Narrow-leaved Marsh Orchid were along the main path that runs along the edge of the fen along with Early-Marsh Orchid though I should imagine these will be over by now. There were also lots of Heath Fragrant Orchid in bud on the limestone slopes overlooking the fen along the edges of the path in the heathy areas. This is your best bet for some fresh orchids. The case was the same at Fedr Fawr with quite a number of Heath Fragrants and Heath Spotted Orchids on the cliff-tops, (Fedr Fawr also hosts the most southerly population of Black Guillimot incase you were unaware). There's also meant to be Lesser Butterfly Orchids up there but I saw none (I did see one tiny plant there back in 2004 however).

I would also point you in the direction of Newborough Warren for Marsh Helleborines, Dune Helleborines (might begin the flower soon) and other marsh orchids. Also Cors Bodeilio hosts a silly number of orchids and I saw Fly orchid (3 plants, the only Welsh population. Though they will be over by now), Common Twayblade, Early Marsh (subsp. incarnata and pulchella), Common Fragrant, Narrow-leaved Marsh and Heath Spotted Orchid Orchids all from the boardwalk.

Good luck!

Mike.

p.s. Phone the visitor centre for the Great Orme and you might be able to catch some early Dark-red Helleborines in flower on the limestone pavement up there!