Otley Wetlands

Wednesday 13th June 2018

Leader: Anne Riley

Twenty of us gathered for a pleasant evening walk around this private reserve. We started by wandering around a meadow near our parking spot. Here we found Northern Marsh-orchids clearly showing their characteristic loop markings on the petals and Southern Marsh-orchid with their petals marked by dashes rather than loops. We also found many Common Spotted-orchids, but showing great variation in coloration and markings, making it almost difficult to believe they were the same species.

We then walked along a track passing some large ponds. There was much in flower including Creeping-Jenny, Fairy Flax and Rough Hawkbit. There were also good numbers of Bee Orchids at the side of the track. It was good to spot other wildlife too, like swifts darting above our heads and a Blood-vein moth hiding amongst the vegetation. All too soon, we re-traced our steps back to the cars. A very enjoyable evening.

Text and photographs by Susan and Tom