Monday 15th June 2026

We have just about reached a point in the orchid season where we can relax and draw breath.

Most species from what I call the main season are now either gone to seed or going to seed. Browning off and looking deep fried if they have been pollenated.

Which means that, for a few days or maybe a week, there are Lizards and Late Spiders to see. Even if the Lizards numbers are well down on years prior t last year's drought, and the Late Spiders at most sites have gone to seed too.

But not all.

If I head up to a site on the downs above the countryside, one that gives views down to the Romney Marsh and Rye one way, and along to the hint of Canterbury on the other, then maybe there will be orchids to see.

First thing Jools was going to walk into Dover, then catch a bus to Folkestone to buy some wool, then bus and train and bus back.

So I had all morning.

Jools left at six, and I did the usual stuff I do when there's no phys: drink coffee, read and watch stuff on You Tube or Patreon.

Come half nine, I am ready to go out. The early threat of drizzle had passed, and despite the warnings on Google maps of road closures, I ventured out.

Up the A20 to Folkestone, then off to the downs to a remote parking place, and a little seen or used path going upwards.

I strapped my camera to my back, climbed over the stile and began to climb. Up through the wood, then up through meadows, and onto the open downland, always up.

And on the south-facing slope were dozens of one of the UK's rarest plants, the Late spider orchid.

They began quite low down, and grew denser as I went up. I stopped to take shots with the mobile of most, and those I thought interesting I do with the big camera.

You can never have enough shots of Lady orchid I have always said, but the same it true for Late spiders too. I rattle of dozens of shots. Hundreds, maybe.

I find several hybrids, and others with interesting shapes or patterns. But just when I thought I had seen everything, I come across another small spike with two pale flowers.

At first I thought these were just faded. But closer look showed that despite the browning at the edges, this was their natural colour, one that was a bit further to the left of the dial than var. flavescens.

Another stunning find!

I looked round for Bee orchids, but only find one among many browned off spikes.

Marbled whites were emerging lower down the slopes, one drying its wings, which as I stopped to nap it, it flew off, the upper surface glistening, but the wings working well enough for it to fly.

Back down the down and through the wood to the car, where I turn round and drive the ten miles to Park Gate Down to look for more Musk.

There I meet Fran, and so we walk to the paddock, and up the path. Withing five minutes she had spotted a small green spike, so we both took turns to snap it again. And again.

I dropped her off at Priory Station, then drove home, arriving back at half two, where it was time for a brew.

And relax.

Dinner was breaded chicken, stir fry and noodles, all eaten before five, so I could watch the early game on the big TV. With Scully, who had just been fed.

Spain drew 0-0 with Cape Verde, in the competition's biggest upset so far. Cape Verde's keeper played a blinder in keeping wave after wave of Spanish attacks out. And then Belgium drew 1-1 with Egypt in broiling conditions in Seattle as the PNW roasted in unseasonal heatwave weather.