On Monday April 30 several of us led by the intrpid Dr. Peter Scott set off in search for the elusive Early Spider Orchid. We were told to prepare; packed lunches, rain gear and hats as we were to penetrate into the darkest, untouched reaches of the South Downs in search of this botanical enigma.
Dr. Scott, obviosuly used to this type of activity marches ahead of the group risking the perils of the nearby wooly pigs. Two of which we did encounter and where my farming background saved the day as we hearded them back into the field; they were young ones for if they were adults I fear we would have all perished.
The picture above gives a true indication of our chances of finding this elusive orchid, miles upon miles of vegetaion lay before us; in it we hoped was the Early Spider Orchid.
Up and down hill we went following the intrepid Dr. Scott, all to no avail, they were supposed to be on this hill, but obviously not. I felt like one of the polar explorers, who would never reach the pole. This was the culmination of our course on Restoration Ecology. This great day was on the agenda, for months, we planned the expedition with meticulous care and we were not going to be dissapointed, I would see to that.
Low and behold, there it was, this three inch orchid, cowering in the grass, I had finally achived one of the nirvana's of botanical exploration and found Ophrys speghodes.
.jpg)
Of course several days later, when out for a casual jaunt I found the much more coveted and as yet unamed orchid pictured below.
In journalistic fairness I suggest you read the Universities version of the days events, visit the MSc website and look under the blog link.
.jpg)
Of course several days later, when out for a casual jaunt I found the much more coveted and as yet unamed orchid pictured below.
In journalistic fairness I suggest you read the Universities version of the days events, visit the MSc website and look under the blog link.
No comments:
Post a Comment