Orchids, Bluebells and Bird Cherry

The sunny weather is bringing everything along. The first of the Early Purple Orchids is in flower along with the first Bluebells and the Bird Cherry (below). Dandelions have joined our plants in flower along with Honesty and Forget-me-not.

On the moorland the turf is sprinkled with Celandine, Dog Violet and Barren Strawberry, whilst the woodland floor is covered in the nodding heads of Wood Sorrel. The Bird Cherry is yet to be in flower but the buds are hanging with the newly emerged pale green leaves. Another tree which is almost in flower is the Blackthorn. Another few days of this weather and the trees will be frothy with white.

There were a lot of butterflies on the wing today, including Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell and the first Large White. There were plenty of bees buzzing around too.

A Water Vole was seen swimming across from the island in the lake to the shore late in the afternoon.