Two years ago, on that fateful morning after the Brexit referendum, I got up early to visit the bee orchid in the field near Harecramp, Turville.
Bee orchid at Harecramp in June 2016
On 13 June I was up early in the hope of finding one again. I went up from Turville towards Ibstone through Park Wood. A number of conifers have been felled, giving way to foxgloves.
Foxgloves in Park Wood
I went down through Ibstone park and took the bridleway to Harecramp, which was lined with daisies.
- Daisies by the bridleway to Harecramp, looking SW towards Ibstone House
Then I took the footpath across the field where in previous years there have been many orchids.
- The inviting footpath across the field south of Harecramp Cottages
There were a number of pyramidal orchids, but I could see no bee orchids. I guess the grass is too long, although there were a few sheep grazing it.
Pyramidal orchid
I will go back to check again, but I fear this is not a year for bee orchids at Harecramp. However, that did not diminish my enjoyment; a Chiltern walk, early on a bright June morning, is pretty special.
CampaignerKate 