Saturday 29 June 2019

Orchids on Granta Park, including a rare Wasp Orchid

Darren Bast (who works on Granta Park) has been spotting orchids on site for a number of years now, and this year found around 76 Bee Orchid spikes. Unusually, amongst them this year, he identified a single flower spike of the rare Wasp Orchid.  

 The Wasp Orchid (Ophrys apifera var trollii) is one of the six recognised variants of the Bee Orchid, looking similar but with longer thinner petals, giving the flowers a 'Wasp like' appearance.  A large Common Spotted Orchid spike and  Pyramidal Orchid were also seen. Darren kindly showed these flowers to a small group of ANW folks on Thursday, before they faded.

Photo credits: Darren Bast
Bee Orchid
Bee Orchid

Wasp Orchid
 Wasp Orchid

Common Spotted Orchid


Common Spotted Orchid - Andy M

Pyramidal Orchid - Andy M
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The Aims of Abington Naturewatch

At their meeting on 9 April 2005 the members approved this revised version of the aims of Abington Naturewatch:

  • To monitor and record the wildlife (fauna & flora) within the borders of the Abingtons;
  • To encourage protection of our wildlife, maintain its quality and foster its diversity;
  • To promote awareness of the richness, potential and problems of the natural environment of the Abingtons;
  • To cooperate in improving access to the local natural environment for the benefit of all Abington villagers.

Pat Daunt, Founder

The organisation is informal and communication is by email if possible; members are notified of events from time to time. Contact details are maintained by a small "project team". There is currently no membership fee as costs are covered by voluntary contributions at events.

Members are encouraged to report notable sightings of flora and fauna within the Abingtons to the appropriate sector coordinator and an illustrated record is published annually.

A map of the area covered, with some features noted, is available here: http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=213774935674882866424.00000111dca2be9f06ab8&z=13>

For more information or to join, please contact David Farrant on (01223) 892871.

Contributions to our records should be sent to sector contacts or either of the above. Photographs may also be submitted to Andy Merryweather (amerryweather61@gmail.com)