Park Downs orchid extravaganza





I was going to write a rambling account of the sheer joy of walking through an area of chalk downland where over 100 spikes of Bee Orchid and several thousand Pyramidal Orchids were on show. I thought the images would say far more than I could... Park Downs is just south-east of Banstead and well worth a visit. At the moment there is a spectacular botanical display that should not be missed. Apart from the orchids, I have never seen so much Dropwort in one place. Stunning.

Comments

Derek Faulkner said…
Wow, how lucky you've been, that must of been an amazing sight and feeling, and the photos work wonderfully.
23 June 2015 at 18:17
John said…
Hi Steve, if it is Dropwort you want (or Kidney Vetch), try Banstead Downs. John
23 June 2015 at 21:42
Steve Gale said…
Derek, it was a visual treat to be remembered. I doubt that you get such large numbers of orchids on Sheppey?
23 June 2015 at 22:20
Steve Gale said…
There is more Dropwort on Banstead Downs? In that case I need to take a look John. I need to look for Knotted Pearlwort as well.
23 June 2015 at 22:22
Derek Faulkner said…
Steve, many years ago there used to be some Common Spotted Orchids on Minster Cliffs and just one year only, I found a Pyramidal on the Swale NNR. Other than that I'm not aware of orchids on Sheppey.
24 June 2015 at 05:20
John said…
The Pearlwort may require more looking :-). John
24 June 2015 at 11:53
John said…
Derek, the field above was in cultivation until 15 years ago, then was set-aside and finally incorporated into the adjacent Park Downs (common land) three years ago. Both Pyramidal and Bee orchids occur in low numbers on the main Downs and yet we have this sepctacular sight in this field. Experience suggests it will be transient, so it is a case of enjoy it while we can! All you have to do on Sheppey is find a similar field and ........................... :-)
24 June 2015 at 11:56
Unknown said…
Really the westernmost field not northernmost.
28 June 2015 at 21:57
Steve Gale said…
You're right Robert, I stand corrected.
29 June 2015 at 17:04
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