In this case, a trip to another new site for me Hothfield Heathlands, it's here that you can find four of Kent's last remaining lowland valley bogs, together with some of the specialised plants associated with this type of habitat. I didn't explore the heaths on this visit, a good excuse to return latter.
Location of the Main Bog |
They look very similar to Common Spotted Orchids, The lip of the Heath Spotted-orchid is also more rounded and without the longer central tooth found on the Common Spotted-orchid. the flowers appeared to be paler, the lip is pale pink/white, being marked with darker pink fine dots and dashed lines,
Here's a comparison with a Common Spotted Orchid found a few weeks ago at Shorne.
Common Spotted Orchid Heath Spotted Orchid
There seemed to be quite a few variations but all with dots and dashes, many were close to the boardwalk so some close views were easily obtained.
Heath Spotted-orchid - Dactylorhiza maculata
There were a few other bog plants to be found here, I do not have a great knowledge on plants but these were relatively easy to pick out.
Round leaf Sundew |
The Boardwalk through the Main Bog at Hothfield |
Bog Pimpernel |
Cotton Grass |
On some of the smaller pools I could see a number of Dragonflies, I was hoping to see the Keeled Skimmers known to reside here, no males on view but at least three female Keeled Skimmers were darting around the pools, no chance of a photo, much too quick for my camera.
This female Emperor Dragonfly ovipositing was more accommodating.
Emperor Dragonfly |
We did come across the ubiquitous herd of Konik ponies used by wildlife trusts to tackle the vegetation in those hard to reach places.
Konik Ponies at Hothfield |
Back to the Orchids , these Heath Spotted Orchids the main reason for my visit today did not disappoint in spite of there close resemblance to the Common Spotted. This Orchid another new species for both my life list and yearly list
Orchid Life List 2019 Orchid List
Common Spotted Orchid Green Winged Orchid
Early Purple Orchid Early Purple Orchid
Common Twayblade. Lady Orchid
Greater Butterfly Orchid Early Spider Orchid
Lady Orchid Fly Orchid
Pyramidal Orchid Common Twayblade
Bee Orchid Man Orchid
Fragrant Orchid Monkey Orchid
White Helleborine White Helleborine
Southern Marsh Orchid Common Fragrant Orchid
Green Winged Orchid Bee Orchid
Early Spider Orchid Southern Marsh Orchid
Fly Orchid Common Spotted Orchid
Man Orchid Pyramidal Orchid
Monkey Orchid Lizard Orchid
Birds Nest Orchid Birds Nest Orchid
Lizard Orchid Musk Orchid
Musk Orchid Greater Butterfly Orchid
Heath Spotted Orchid Heath Spotted Orchid
Birds Nest Orchid Birds Nest Orchid
Lizard Orchid Musk Orchid
Musk Orchid Greater Butterfly Orchid
Heath Spotted Orchid Heath Spotted Orchid