The most delicate of orchids

One of the most delicate orchids we’ve seen this year both on our tours in Scotland and in Norfolk on our Safari’s is the Heath Spotted Orchid. Quite a delicate stem with beautiful flowers the centre lobe on each petal is smaller than the outer two which distinguishes it from the Common Spotted Orchid where the lobes are of equal size.
All wild orchids are protected by law If you remove or disturb the ground you can be fined or imprisoned or both. If you are lucky enough to have them in your garden and want to move them you need to get a licence from the local council!

Rays of sunshine

As the sun broke through we walked down the beach to see what we could find. The sea was retreating and making the sand into a wide firm walkway. As we ambled our way along our eyes were drawn down. It’s impossible isn’t it? to walk along a beach without beachcombing is like having a fruit pastel and not chewing.

As we continued to walk it became apparent the high tide had left spoils. There had obviously been a hatching of Thrornback Rays (among others) as their egg cases littered the tideline. This is a fish that has shown philopatric behaviour; that is the returning of a migrating fish to a particular area to feed or breed. The Shark Trust (Rays are closely related to Sharks) run an interesting website with an Egg case id guide. http://www.sharktrust.org/en/great_eggcase_hunt/