We met at Yockenthwaite Meadows and walked downstream along the river Wharfe. The initial plan had been to visit Waitby Greenriggs, but the speciality plants there had gone over due to the recent hot weather. So perhaps one for next year. Although the river was now full after recent rain, we had a dry warm relaxing day.
We caught the meadow just before the annual cut, the meadow is managed for nature.
Three semi parasitic plants were identified, Eyebright (Euphrasia officialise), Yellow rattle (Rhinathus minor) and Red Bartsia (Odonties verna). These are all partly parasitic on grasses and allow other wild flowers to thrive where the grass is depleted.
Marsh Fragrant Orchid Gymnadenia densiflora
Common or Chalk Fragrant Orchid Gymnadenia conopsea
One of the highlights were the fragrant orchids. Fragrant Common Orchid ( Gymnadenia conopsea) smelling of sweet oranges, pink flowers, 3 lobed lip and long spur. Fragrant Marsh Orchid ( Gymnadenia densiflora) smelling of cloves, 3 rounded lobes.
Also spotted was the Common Spotted Orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii) and the tall Greater Butterfly Orchid (Platanthera Chlorantha).
Greater Butterfly Orchid Platanthera chlorantha
In all we identified over 100 plants.
Thank you to Jane for organising the trip. Our next trip is to Fewston Reservoir on Tuesday 5th August, I do hope you can join us.
Rosemary
Photos, Jane.
PS
The YouTube channel “Five minute families” is worth a look. It explains each plant family.
