Local (19/06/21)

First site was Mapledurwell but I am led to believe there is not much left to see and there wasn't.

The other sites visited were Greywell Moor, Noar Hill and Broxhead Common.

The only places that things of note were Greywell Moor and Noar Hill.

After wandering around the wrong part of Greywell Moor I eventually spotted a stile/gate which actually brought me to the area where the orchids could be seen - I had walked past it!

Lots of Southern Marsh Orchids and Common Spotted Orchids were seen but no Marsh Helleborine - I later found out they are in another area of the marsh where a permit is needed.

 At Noar Hill, after much searching, I bumped into an old gentleman who kindly took me around and showed me the Musk Orchids.  No wonder I missed them - they are tiny.  Also at this site was a new moth for me - Yellow Shell.  The sheer number of common orchids were fantastic.

Oxon and Berks (13/06/21)

 Back again to Hartslock for Common Clubtail and no luck (tried at Little Wittenham as well).  Another Green Hairstreak at Hartslock but no Bee Orchids.  A cracking Marbled White was seen well and a scattering of White-legged Damselfly (Blue Featherleg) which was a bonus.

Then onto Fobney Meadows where a nice selection of Odonata including a Hairy Dragonfly which stayed long enough to get a poor picture.

Finally onto Buckler's Forest (Crowthorne) where I duly found the Scarce Blue-tailed (Small) Damselflies reported earlier in the week.

Hampshire (12/06/21)

 More trips around Hampshire sites but not as much success as before.

No Red Helleborine at Hawkley Warren but wasn't sure where I should be looking.

Then back to Noar Hill for more orchids.  Highlights included my first Common Fragrant (Chalk) Orchids, Green Hairstreak, first Painted Lady of the year and lot s of Common Spotted Orchids and Pyramidal Orchids.  Also a nice Cinnabar Moth and the Knapweed Broomrapes were coming out but no Frog or Musk Orchids despite extensive searching.

Finally onto Alice Holt Forest but not much here except a Cuckoo at Straits Enclosure in the wood - I've never seen Cuckoo in a wood before!  A new moth was Light Emerald.

Dorset & Hampshire (06/06/21)

 Another day of Orchids and Butterflies with Birds as a backup.

First stop was Poole and luckily I didn't have to cross a busy road to get to the roundabout with the Bee Orchids - there were a few plants on the verge on the side of the road.

In the New Forest were more orchids and a nice selection of birds including Woodlark, Spotted Flycatcher, Redstart and Dartford Warbler.  Also a new flower in the form of Bogbean

Despite some searching no new orchids at Noar Hill although did get a new moth.

Double header part 2 (31st May 2021)

 And another good day.

Galley Down Wood had lots of Birds Nest Orchids and White Helleborine.  About 6 Common Shrews were running around under my feet.

Beacon Hill had a nice selection of butterflies including 2 more Green Hairstreaks and Common Spotted Orchid.

The view of the Sword-leaved Helleborine's at Chappetts Copse were amazing and also saw Solomon's Seal here

At Noar Hill 4 Duke of Burgundy butterflies, Holly Blue, Early Purple

Orchid and more Twayblade's and a Small Copper

Alice Holt forest didn't have much

Double header part 1 (30th May 2021)

With a Bank Holiday and the weather looking excellent I went to Bucks/Oxon/Berks for butterflies and orchids and wasn't disappointed.

Homefield Wood gave me Military Orchid, Common Spotted Orchid, Common Twayblade, Greater Butterfly Orchid, White Helleborine and Fly Orchid.  A couple of Ravens flew over

Aston Clinton Ragpits yielded another White Helleborine and a Green Hairstreak which I got some nice pictures of.

Bernwood Meadows was brilliant with the meadows carpeted in Green-winged Orchids.

Iffley Meadows was the let down - I wanted to see the Fritillaries (flowers) but found out I was a month too late.

Hartslock gave me my first damselfly/dragonfly of the year (Banded Demoiselle) and got better views of the Lady, Monkey and hybrid orchids.  I was shown a Pasqueflower which I understand is quite rare.