On a roadside verge on Epsom Downs


Very close to the grandstands that tower over the downs at Epsom is a special roadside verge. The higher section has been close mown, as is the way of the council, but the lower part has been left well alone, for here is to be found the most daintiest of orchids, Autumn Lady's-tresses.

The further down the slope you walk, the more numerous they are - I estimated a minimum of 2,000 spikes and there are no doubt many more than that. As I knelt to take photographs, careful not to kneel on any, I could sense the motorists, sitting yards away at traffic lights, wondering what on earth I was up to.

My thanks must go to Dennis and Rosy for alerting me to this fine show.

Comments

Derek Faulkner said…
Wow, there is life after Dungie then. Nice to think that the council deliberately left them uncut.
8 September 2015 at 18:49
Steve Gale said…
Yes Derek, it's good to keep the home fires burning...
8 September 2015 at 20:23
Derek Faulkner said…
Steve, you mentioned on my blog www.lettersfromsheppey.blogspot.co.uk that you could swap some horror stories - be nice to read some.
9 September 2015 at 05:29
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