Hampshire (26/06/21)

Martin Down: Despite some vague directions I eventually managed to see my target species of orchid - only because someone was kneeling on the ground near the rifle butts and they could only be looking for flowers, bugs or butterflies.  He was actually photographing Frog Orchid of which there were 4 plants.  Also speaking to a lady I found out where to find Greater Butterfly Orchid and found 7 plants.

A nice selection of birds, butterflies and moths including Dark Green Fritillary and lots of Marbled Whites.

At Bentley Wood no sign of any fritillaries except a possible Silver-washed Fritillary and no White-letter Hairstreaks.  A nice moth was seen though - a Red-tipped Clearwing.

Finally at Greywell Moors no sign of any Marsh Helleborine - they are on a non-public part of the reserve.

Box Hill (29/06/21)

Not going back here again - there were hundreds of push bikes going up and down the hill and some of them tried to run me over.  One cyclist continually went up and down the hill with music blaring.

I couldn't find any Man Orchids and wasn't sure where they were supposed to be - the warden was absent so couldn't ask him.  I eventually gave up and went straight home.  The only orchid I identified was Chalk Fragrant Orchid.

Fleet area (28/06/21)

After hearing about Marsh Helleborine in NE Hants but with no site details I thought they may be at Eelmoor Marsh near Farnborough.  After all the fun and games driving around on the 27th I decided to walk there - bad move!

It wasn't clear from all my investigations that the site is a closed site and not accessible by the general public - I found out from a security guard at Qinetic.

I was more than a little annoyed and spent the next few hours traipsing back home stopping at various sites including Fleet Pond and Ancells Farm nature reserve.  The only salvation was Heath Spotted Orchid at Ancells Farm and Little Egret at Fleet Pond.

Further bad news came when I bumped into "muncher" (Paul) outside the Broadway club in Fleet.  He informed me that "sparky" Mark had died on Christmas day last year.  A great bloke who always had time for a chat and listen to my gripes and moans - a real "pub dad".  I will miss him greatly particularly when I eventually go back to the club and 10pm (his usual arrival time) comes around.

RIP me old mate - hope they dish out plenty of Tyskie up there!

 

Below - "Sparky" Mark with his Tyskie safely in hand