5th February 2017
1.1km recording walk undertaken lasting 39 minutes. Annual count now to 182.
21st February 2017
1.5km walk, checking for emerging plants, lasting 58 minutes. Only 21 plants found. Ground greatly disturbed by past grazing, scrambling and rabbit activity. Overall count to date, 182.
9th March 2017
1.5km morning walk over disturbed ground and only 17 tiny emerging plants found. Overall count remains at 182.
27th March 2017
1.6km walk in good weather. 25 small plants found in reasonable condition in the south of the site. Ground drying out and less disturbance. Overall count still 182.
5th April 2017
1.3 km recording walk lasting 39 minutes. 20 plants found. Sturdier plants may flower this year. Overall count now 185.
17th April 2017
Morning walk of 1.3km. 28 plants found, some in good condition. Overall count now 186.
28th April 2017
1.5km walk lasting 44 minutes. 25 small remaining plants found. Overall Count 186.
9th May 2017
1.6km morning walk lasting one hour. Thorough check made including new finds.
C50+ plants found with some expected to flower. Overall count for 2016-2017, now 222.
22nd May 2017
Afternoon walk covering 1.5km and lasting 49 minutes. 38+ plants, mostly small, approaching the flowering stage. Overall count for 2016-2017 remains at 222.
2nd June 2017
1.9km walk. 23 plants recorded, some flowering. Annual count to 230.
10th June 2017
2.3km walk lasting 76 minutes. Annual count to 243. 39 plants reached the flowering stage with 25+ flowering specimens remaining.
Flowering specimens from 100mm to 250mm tall. 18 visits made to the site since 22nd September 2016.
21st June 2017
Morning walk. Only 2 remnants of plants remain. Annual count 243. Survey completed and a new one commences in the autumn 2017.
AUTUMN 2017 to SUMMER 2018
Bee orchid recording in north Bournemouth.
22nd Sept 2017
Walked c1.5k over the whole area where this species is found. Habitat altering in some areas. 17 small emerging plants gps recorded during a one hour visit.
3rd Oct 2017
Afternoon gps walk of 1.3k undertaken in good recording conditions. 69 additional plants found.
These included very tiny plants grouped close together and much larger stand alone plants.
Many in excellent condition and no plants found on the less open eastern side of the site.
Annual count for 2017-2018 now 86.
16th Oct 2017
Afternoon walk of 1.5km lasting 63 minutes. Good gps recording conditions , sun an unusual colour.
Many small and larger emerging plants found in perfect condition. Rabbit activity low and no grazing at present.
Plants well distributed in the north, south and west of the site. Only 1 plant found in the east.
Brambles and other ground cover encroaching areas where this species has thrived.
Annual count for 2017 - 2018 now 256.
29th Oct 2017
Morning walk of 1.6km lasting 77 minutes. Good gps recording conditions and numerous new finds found. Rabbit activity low. Little ground disturbance and no grazing. Very encouraging signs noted in the south, west and north of the site, and in the east, a small number of plants have now emerged. Plants variable in size and even those in exposed areas were in reasonable condition.
Annual count for 2017 - 2018 now 557.
10th Nov 2017
Morning walk of 1.3k lasting 52 minutes. Some recent signs of ground disturbance and rabbits. No grazing. Good recording conditions. 21 new finds. Annual count for 2017-2018 now 578.
24th Nov 2017
Morning walk of 1.3km lasting one hour. Recent signs noted of rabbit activity. No grazing. Regular route and other areas carefully checked. 20+ new finds. Annual count for 2017-2018 now 599.
17th December 2017
1.7km morning walk lasting 65 minutes, to gps record orchids. Grazing and rabbit activity on site. Overall annual count for 2017-2018 to 616, of which circa 50% remain.
12th January 2018
1.6km morning walk lasting 63 minutes gps recording orchids. Recent grazing and rabbit activity on site. Overall survey count remains at 616, of which 21% of emerging Bee orchid plants now remain.
28th January 2018
1.5km gps walk lasting one hour. All regions checked. Conditions poor and waterlogged. Only c10% of Annual count (616), found on this visit.
16th February 2018
1.5km gps walk lasting 50 minutes to check on the progress of emerging bee orchids. Difficult recording conditions and site very waterlogged. No new finds. About 7% remain of the annual count for 2017-18.
9th March 2018
2km walk lasting 65 minutes, to check on recent effects of the weather.
Site heavily trampled and still waterlogged in some regions.
Signs of recent 2 and 4 wheel vehicle activity. No new finds.
Surviving plants found very tiny and some well nibbled.
About 9% found of the annual bee orchid count for 2017-2018.
3rd April 2018
1.5km gps walk lasting 55 minutes, to check on the progress of emerging plants. Site still very waterlogged and heavy going. Despite the recent weather, some plants previously recorded now recovering. Recovering and surviving plants now total 90. All tiny. No new finds. Annual count for 2017 - 2018 still 616.
24th April 2018
1.5km morning walk lasting 57 minutes recording remaining bee orchids.
Site drying out with recent signs of motor bike scrambling. No new finds.
59+ remain of 616 previously recorded for the season 2017-2018.
6th May 2018
Morning walk of 1.4km lasting 45 minutes. Site greening up and no new finds. Annual count for 2017-2018 still 616.
14th May 2018
Afternoon walk of 1.3km last 42 minutes. No new finds and c30+ bee orchids may reach the flowering stage.
28th May 2018
Morning walk of 1.4km last 51 minutes. Scrambler on site. No new finds and c20+ bee orchids may reach the flowering stage this year.
10th June 2018
Check on flowering numbers. 50 for 2018.
33 were flowering after 28th May. Quickly faded.
Annual count for 2017-2018 now 632.
Flowerings c140mm to 225mm tall.
23rd June 2018
Morning walk. 1 remaining plant in flower. Annual count 632.
Survey completed and a new one commences in autumn 2018.
AUTUMN 2018 to SUMMER 2019
Bee orchid recording in north Bournemouth.
9th September 2018
1st visit. Site checked. No emerging plants at present.
4th October 2018
Morning walk of 1.3k lasting 54 minutes searching for emerging bee orchids.
Recording conditions good. 5 tiny plants found and no ground disturbance.
28th October 2018
Morning walk of 2.0km lasting 1 hr 47 minutes. Good recording conditions.
Some ground disturbance, no grazing. Emerging plants of assorted sizes.
Annual count for 2018-2019 now 279.
17th November 2018
Morning visit. 1.7km gps walk lasting 1hr 27 minutes. Plants of varying sizes, some large, recorded.No grazing. Unfortunately, some plants affected by recent scrambling activities. Annual count for 2018-2019 now 456.
26th November 2018
Annual count of emerging bee orchids for 2018-2019 to 558.
4th December 2018
1.5km morning walk lasting 75+ minutes. Plants emerging in the southern area of the site greatly affected by scrambling. Rabbit activity. No grazing.
Annual count for 2018-2019 now 587. c160+ plants remain.
26th December 2018
1.4km morning walk gps recording bee orchids plants.
New finds. Recent rabbit activity. No grazing.
Annual count now 615 for 2018-2019 season.
3rd January 2019
Morning walk lasting one hour. Rabbit activity by orchid colonies.
No grazing. No new finds. Annual count for 2018-2019 still 615.
12th January 2019
Morning gps walk lasting 76 minutes and covering 1.4km.
Considerable recent scrambling disturbance in the south of site.
Rabbit activity in orchid areas, no grazing.
Annual survey count for 2018-19 = 668 plants.
About 56% remain of those surveyed to date.
7th February 2019
Morning walk of 1.5km lasting 62 minutes. Areas of site waterlogged.
Signs of rabbit activity and scrambling. No grazing.
Plants of varying sizes in good condition. 22 new finds.
Annual count to 690, of which, over 37% remain.
22nd February 2019
Morning walk of 1.7km lasting 86 minutes. Many areas now dried out.
Signs of fresh and daily rabbit activity, also scrambling. No grazing.
Many plants in good condition, some affected by rabbits and disturbance.
Annual count still 690, of which, over 33% remain.
9th March 2019
Morning walk of 1.8km lasting 73 minutes. Good recording conditions.
Recent signs of scrambling in crucial areas, no grazing. New finds found.
Some plants still affected by rabbits, others perfect.
Annual count now 695, of which, only 23.16% remain.
20th March 2019
1.7km afternoon lasting 84 minutes to check on the progress of emerging orchids. Parks department with working party litter picking. Site tidy, and no grazing.
22nd March 2019
Morning walk covering 1.9km lasting 82 minutes. Good signs found of plant recovery. Less ground disturbance and no grazing. Annual count still 695, with 27.05% remaining.
3rd April 2019
Afternoon walk covering c1.9km lasting 90 minutes. Plant recovery continues and new finds. Some larger and smaller plants in good condition. Some nibbled. Ground firmer and drier.Apart from rabbits fewer signs of ground disturbance and no grazing. Annual count now 741, with over 35% remaining.
22nd April 2019
Morning visit. 1.5km gps walk lasting 63 minutes.
Some larger sheltered plants in good condition. No grazing.
Recent heavy scrambling now affects plants of 3 orchid species.
Annual count for 2018-2019 still 741, of which, 22% remain.
3rd May 2019
Afternoon visit. 1.8km gps walk lasting 86 minutes. Ground firm and dry.
Larger and smaller plants in good condition. Some affected by rabbits, no grazing.Many plants with potential to flower. Less recent ground disturbance of plants.Annual count of bee orchids for 2018-2019 still 741, of which, 20.51% remain.
25th May 2019
Morning visit. 59 bee orchids approaching the flowering stage.
Annual count, 741.
4th June 2019
Morning gps walk covering 2.00km and lasting 76 minutes. 38 new finds.
Good numbers of orchids at the flowering stage. Annual count now 779.
At least 24.39% of bee orchids remain.
14th June 2019
Morning and evening gps walks covering 3.5km and lasting 2.5 hours.
New finds. Over 29% at the flowering stage.
Had some flowering regions not been disturbed recently,
this percentage would have been higher. Annual count over 800.
7th July 2019
Successful morning walk. Bee orchids and other species now seeded.
Annual count: 840. Enjoyable survey completed and a new one commences autumn 2019.
AUTUMN 2019 to SUMMER 2020
Bee orchid recording in north Bournemouth.
September 2019
A few checks made during the month. No signs of emerging plants.
6th October 2019
Morning walk of 1.6k lasting 81 minutes searching for emerging bee orchids.
Small conservation task undertaken to clear encroaching brambles.
Recording conditions good. Both bee and autumn lady`s tresses found.
131 bee orchid plants of varying sizes found in excellent condition.
No recent ground disturbance. Slight water logging in one area.
16th October 2019
Afternoon walk of 1.6k lasting 82 minutes searching for emerging bee orchids.
Grazing in the north and recent scrambling in the south of the site.Some areas waterlogged due to recent weather and some ground disturbance.A further 308 finds were made throughout the site. Many in good condition.
Annual count now 439 for 2018-2019 season.
27th October 2019
Morning walk lasting 66 minutes recording new finds of emerging bee orchids. No signs of present grazing in the north or recent scrambling in the south of the site. Some central areas still waterlogged. 284 new finds of various sizes gps recorded. Annual count now 723 for 2019-2020 season.
1st November 2019
Morning walk lasting 50 minutes gps recording more emerging plants of varying sizes.Although site was waterlogged, no grazing or scrambling. 157 new recordings on site. Annual count now 880 for 2019-2020 season. Many plants in excellent condition.
21st November 2019
Morning walk lasting 40 minutes gps recording more emerging plants of varying sizes. Site now drying out and not waterlogged. Recent grazing, no scrambling. 71 new recordings throughout site. Annual count now 951 for 2019-2020 season. More sheltered plants in excellent condition.
7th December 2019
Morning walk lasting 45 minutes gps recording more emerging plants on site. Site generally drier. Recent grazing and some affecting 2 species of orchids.No scrambling. Rabbits have nibbled some orchids. 48 new recordings on site. Annual count now 999 for 2019-2020 season.
1st January 2020
Morning walk lasting 1 hour gps recording more emerging plants on site.
Site generally damp. Some recent grazing. Heavy scrambling affecting 3 orchid species.Regular monitoring necessary to ascertain actual flowering numbers this summer. 11 new recordings on site. Annual count now 1010 for 2019-2020 season (bee orchids only).
23rd January 2020
Afternoon walk of 55 minutes checking for emerging plants on a very disturbed site.Recent grazing and heavy scrambling greatly affecting 3 orchid species. 6 new recordings increasing annual count for 2019-2020 to 1016 (bee orchids). Of those gps recorded, only c27% could be found at present.
14th February 2020
1.3 km afternoon walk of 50 minutes checking for emerging plants. Ground disturbed. Wet and muddy in places. Due to the weather,no recent signs of grazing or scrambling. New recordings on site increased the annual count for 2019-2020 to 1048 (bee orchids). Over 42% of those gps recorded to date were found. Some plants well nibbled.
29th February 2020
1.5 km morning walk of 69 minutes checking for emerging plants. Ground heavy going in some areas. Some surface water and muddy in places. Due to the weather, no signs of recent grazing or scrambling. New recordings on site increased the annual count for 2019-2020 to 1080 (bee orchids).Over 44% of those gps recorded to date were found. Some plants nibbled, others in better condition.
12th March 2020
Morning walk exceeding one hour in search of developing plants. Improved recording conditions on site.Still muddy with surface water in one area. No signs of recent grazing, ground disturbance or scrambling. The annual count for 2019-2020 remains at 1080 (bee orchids). Over 37% of all gps recordings were found. Many plants of varying sizes in good condition, others well nibbled by rabbits.
20th March 2020
Morning walk of 1.4km lasting 61 minutes in search of emerging plants. Good recording conditions.Very muddy track in one area. No recent grazing, ground disturbance or scrambling. The latter still occurs close by. The annual count for 2019-2020 is now 1084 (bee orchids). Over 32% of all gps recordings were found. Some plants in reasonable condition, many others well chewed by rabbits.
2nd April 2020
Morning walk in search of emerging plants. Ground dry and excellent recording conditions.No recent grazing,disturbance or scrambling. Annual count,2019-2020, still 1084 (bee orchids). Over 30% of all gps recordings were found. Some plants good, others well chewed by rabbits.
14th April 2020
Afternoon walk to check on emerging plants. Due to weather conditions, ground dry and hard. Bright recording conditions. No grazing, disturbances or scrambling. Annual count,2019-2020, now 1087 (bee orchids). Over 15% of all gps recordings were found. Some larger plants excellent, many others well chewed by rabbits.
25th April 2020
Morning walk to check on remaining plants. Good recording conditions. Ground firm and dry. No recent site disturbances. Annual count for 2019-2020, remains at 1087 (bee orchids). 13% of all gps recordings were found. Some plants drying out and many finely nibbled by rabbits.
15th May 2020
Morning walk covering 1.2km to check on orchids. Excellent recording conditions. Ground dry and hard.No recent site disturbances. Annual count for 2019-2020, remains at 1087 (bee orchids). 8% of all gps recordings were found. Some good plants with signs of flowering soon.Rabbits the cause of plant number reductions.
24th May 2020
Morning walk of 1.2km to check for early flowerings. Despite the site being very dry, good recording conditions. No signs of recent site disturbance. Annual count for 2019-2020 still 1087 (bee orchids). Due to rabbit activity, orchid numbers reduced to less than 4%, with evidence to show potential flowerings had also been nipped and lay close to nibbled plants. Prolonged good weather had also dried up some smaller plants.
2nd June 2020
Morning walk of 1.2km lasting 43 minutes to check on flowerings. Site extremely parched and dry. Long period of warm weather without rainfall. Annual count for 2019-2020 still 1087 (bee orchids). Orchid numbers reduced to 1.75% of the overal total recorded covering 19 visits. Shaded flowerings fared better than those in the open which were shrivelled and parched. 2 small flowering plants freshly nibbled at base by rabbits.
14th June 2020
Morning walk of 1.1km lasting 31 minutes to check on flowerings. Recent rainfall. Site dry. Annual count of bee orchids for 2019-2020 still 1087. No new finds. Orchid numbers reduced to less than 1% of the overall total recorded covering 20 visits. Those still flowering dying back and parched.
28th June 2020
Morning walk of 1km lasting 25 minutes. No signs of any bee orchids at the flowering stage, going to seed, or any plants remaining. Site dry and quiet. Annual count for 2019-2020,1087, of which only 8 plants were flowering on last visit. Survey completed and a new one commences in the autumn 2020.
AUTUMN 2020 to SUMMER 2021
Bee orchid recording in north Bournemouth.
From 11th to 18th September 2020
Several visits were made during the month. No signs yet of any emerging plants. Conditions dry and sparse. Some recent ground disturbance on site.
1st October 2020
Afternoon walk of 1.0k lasting 51 minutes searching for emerging bee orchids. Small conservation task undertaken to clear brambles. Good recording conditions. 30 bee orchid plants of varying sizes found in 3 locations. Some plants in the open, others emerging through other ground vegetation. No recent ground disturbance. Site dry and no water logging.
17th October 2020
Afternoon walk of 1.4k lasting 75 minutes searching for emerging bee orchid plants. No grazing on site. Scrambling in the south. Much ground disturbance where two species of orchids grow. The extent of the disturbance is probably a continued prolonged process which was not evident on the last visit of 1st October. Although finds were pleasing with extremely tiny and much larger plants being found, recordings are down 48% on the same period last year. The annual count is now 229 for the 2020-2021 season.
18th October 2020
Morning visit lasting one hour covering 1k, gps recording the extent of ground disturbances greatly affecting emerging orchids.
6th November 2020
Afternoon walk of 1.3k lasting over 50 minutes searching for emerging and surviving bee orchid plants. No grazing on site.
Scrambling in the south covers c5,000 sq. metres, of which 2,900 sq. metres contain orchids. Still much ground disturbance where two species of orchids grow.
Good finds were made in undisturbed areas. Recordings are down c68% in the south on last autumn`s findings. In the north of the site, recordings are down 38% for the same time period which is mainly due to encroachment by other flora and rabbits.
The annual count is now 403 for the 2020-2021 season and represents only c46% of last autumn`s gps count.
25th November 2020
Afternoon walk of 1.5k lasting over 45 minutes searching for emerging and surviving bee orchid plants.
Recent grazing in the north not affecting orchids. Elsewhere in the north invading scrub and bramble covering plants and some nibbled by rabbits. Scrambling in the south causing significant ground disturbance and plant damage where two species of orchids are established.
181 additional finds were gps recorded in less open areas. Recordings are down 38.59% on last November`s numbers.The annual count is now 584 for the 2020-2021 season.
11th December 2020
Afternoon walk of 1.1k taking over 40 minutes checking for surviving bee and autumn ladies tresses orchid plants.
On going heavy scrambling seriously affecting ground conditions for walkers and also the well being of orchid species. Limited grazing noted but not near orchids. No new finds.
About 35% are left of bee orchids recorded to date and the present number equates to only 21% of last year`s recordings to December. The annual count remains at 584 for the 2020-2021 season.
15th January 2021
Afternoon walk searching for surviving bee and autumn ladies tresses orchid plants.Extension of prolonged scrambling across a wider area continues to adversely affect conditions for walkers and many emerging orchid plants are damaged.
Recent grazing noted but not near orchids. No new finds. About 36% are left of bee orchids recorded to date and the present number equates to only about 21% of last year`s recordings to January.
Only a minute number of emerging autumn ladies tresses were found. The annual bee orchid count remains at 584 for the 2020-2021 season with only a small percentage likely to reach the flowering stage this summer.
16th February 2021
1km afternoon walk lasting over one hour, searching again for surviving bee and autumn ladies tresses orchid plants, also another species.
Site extremely rutted by scrambling and very waterlogged in places. Flora and fauna greatly affected also walkers enjoyment of the site.
No grazing on site. No new orchid finds. About 29% left of bee orchids recorded to date and the surviving number at present equate to less than 16% of last year`s recording to February 2020.
Very few emerging autumn ladies tresses have been found. The annual bee orchid count remains at 584 for the 2020-2021 season with very few expected to reach the flowering stage in Summer 2021.
24th February 2021
Early afternoon visit to view new conservation measures and fencing in place to protect flora, fauna and aid visitors enjoyment of the area.
Borough officers working on the project were briefly shown emerging orchids such as autumn ladies, bee, common and pyramidal orchids.
Site drier. No grazing. Over 63+ orchids covering 4 species were found to be in better condition due to new measures in place.
Very pleased with BCP officers and other agencies working together to bring about much needed improvements.
The annual bee orchid count remains at 584 for the 2020-2021 season with every hope of some reaching the flowering stage in Summer 2021.
8th March 2021
Afternoon walk lasting 45 minutes to check on bee orchid plant recovery and all conservation measures now in place on site.Site much drier, no grazing but some signs still of scrambling.
About 22% remain of those surveyed to date.The annual bee orchid count remains at 584 for the 2020-2021 season. Some better protected plants should now reach the flowering stage this year.
26th March 2021
Afternoon walk lasting 64 minutes covering 1.2km checking on bee orchid plant recovery and conservation measures in place on site.
Site much drier, no grazing but still some signs of recent scrambling. Some positive signs of plants recovering with 29% found of those surveyed to date.
The annual bee orchid count remains at 584 for the 2020-2021 season. Some intact advanced plants will hopefully flower this year.
20th April 2021
Early afternoon walk lasting one hour covering 1.2km checking on bee orchid recovery and conservation measures now in place on site.
Site very dry, rutted and in poor condition in some places. No grazing. 25% of all plants surveyed to date were found. Some excellent,others nibbled by rabbits.
The annual bee orchid count remains at 584 for the 2020-2021 season. 3 other orchid species also checked. Of these, 2 also greatly affected by scrambling.
4th May 2021
Afternoon walk lasting one hour and ten minutes covering 1.7km checking on bee orchid recovery and various conservation measures in place.
Despite recent rain, the site remains dry and poor visually. No grazing and less ground disturbances. Over 21% of all plants surveyed to date were found. Some orchids affected by rabbits.
With 25 new finds the annual bee orchid count is now 609 for the 2020-2021 season. 3 other orchid species also checked. Of these, 2 will not improve this year.
28th May 2021
Afternoon walk lasting 66 minutes, covering c1.7km, checking on bee orchids and site protection.
Despite one damp area in the east, the site remains generally dry, poor visually and will take a long time to recover. No grazing or fresh ground disturbances.
Over 15% of all plants surveyed to date were found. Many remaining orchids small and not harmed by rabbits.
No new finds and the annual bee orchid survey total remains at 609 for the 2020-2021 season. 4 other orchid species were also found, checked and continue to be monitored.
3rd June 2021 & 10th June 2021
50 minute afternoon walk on 3rd June to check on the progress of 4 orchid species. Site quieter and orchids better protected by fencing.
Earlier afternoon walk a week later covering over 1.3k and lasting 60+ minutes. Gps recording of bee orchids at the flowering stage. Despite no grazing or recent ground disturbances, the site will take some years to improve again.
Very pleased to find 10 new finds. the survey total for the 2020-2021 season is now 619. Over 20% of all plants surveyed were found. Bee orchids flowering ranged from 60mm to 280mm tall.
Data was also collected for Common spotted and Pyramidal orchids in this region.
19th June 2021
70 minute morning walk covering 1.5km, recording flowering bee orchids on site. No grazing and ground disturbance minimal. New finds.
Survey total for 2020-2021 now 667. Bee orchids flowering ranged from 60mm to c400mm tall. Additional data collected for other orchid species.
28th June 2021
63 minute afternoon walk covering 1.4km, recording flowering bee orchids on site. No grazing and ground disturbance minimal. New finds.
Almost 33% now flowering of all surveyed. Survey total for 2020-2021 now 704. Additional flowering data collected for other orchid species.
2nd July 2021 & 22nd July 2021
1.7km afternoon walk. 5 new finds. Survey total for 2020-2021 now 709.
Last visit made to site on 22nd July 2021. All flowering plants successfully seeded and we look forward to recording again in the Autumn 2021.
AUTUMN 2021 to SUMMER 2022
Bee orchid recording in north Bournemouth.
From 9th to 17th September 2021
Several visits were made during this month. All areas thoroughly explored. No signs yet of any emerging plants. Site conditions improved and no recent ground disturbances.
8th October 2021
No joy in finding emerging orchids in late September. 1st bee orchid plant found on 8th October in good condition. All the site checked. Very recent signs of continuing scrambling activity observed on site.
22nd October 2021
Morning recording session covering 1.5k and lasting 51 minutes.
Small number of small emerging bee orchids recorded in the north of the site.
Recordings vastly down on last year`s figures.
Some fenced compartments becoming overgrown.
Scrambling activities greatly affecting ground recovery.
No grazing.
6th November 2021
Afternoon walk of 1.4k lasting one hour recording emerging bee orchids.
No signs of very recent scrambling or grazing on site. Bare ground in the south. Almost 11% of those recorded in the autumn of 2020 were found. Checks were made within fenced areas and other entirely open areas. Annual count now 44.
17th November 2021
Late morning to early afternoon recording session covering over 1.4k, lasting 1hour. 32 new tiny finds and the Annual count now is 75. Very little ground disturbance.
3rd December 2021
Afternoon session covering over 1.3k, lasting 50 minutes. 107 new finds.
Annual count is now 182. This is only 31.16% of last December`s figures.
Very little ground disturbance. Some areas rutted and no regeneration yet.
16th December 2021
Afternoon session covering over 1.4k, lasting one hour. 76 new finds.
Annual count is now 258. This is only 44.18% of last December`s figures.
Little ground disturbance and few signs of regeneration.
12th January 2022
Fine afternoon walk, covering over 1.4k,lasting 67 minutes. 45 new finds, mainly small. Annual count to date is now 303. This represents 51.88% of the January 2021 figure. Our count to January 2022 only represents 29.82% of the count to January 2020. Ground disturbance by scrambling continued from the last visit to the present one with visible fresh tracks around the regions where orchids grow outside of fencing. Some areas are now greening up and showing some signs of recovery.
22nd January 2022
Afternoon walk, covering over 1.3k,lasting one hour. 126 new finds found in 6 locations checked. Annual count to date is now 429. This represents over 73% of those recorded in January 2021.Some disturbance to orchid fencing. No grazing. Some recent scrambling outside fenced areas. Recovery signs continue with plants ranging from tiny to large in size. Rabbits present. The site. although muddy in some places, is drying out. Walkers continue to enjoy the area.
5th February 2022
Afternoon walk, covering over 1.2k,lasting 50 minutes. 49 new finds found in 3 locations.Annual count to date is now 478. This represents over 81% of those recorded to February 2021. Some disturbance to orchid fencing. No grazing. Recent scrambling outside of fenced areas. Recovery signs are positive but rabbits present in some orchid areas. Walkers continue to enjoy the area and the drier site.
22nd February 2022
Afternoon walk, covering over 1.3k,lasting one hour. 3 new finds found in 2 locations. Annual count to date is now 481 and this is over 100 down on last year`s recordings.Rabbit activity around orchid areas. Some ground disturbance outside of fenced areas.Site beginning to regenerate and dry out. Sheltered and protected areas should produce flowerings this summer. Checked for emerging common spotted orchids without success.
9th March 2022
Afternoon walk, covering over 1.2k,lasting 50 minutes. 17 new finds found in 4 locations. Annual count to date is now 498 and this is over 86 down on last year`s recordings. Rabbit activity in orchid areas. no grazing but some signs still of scrambling. Although common spotted orchids have yet to be recorded, at least 6 pyramidal orchids have been recorded. Flowerings may be lower this summer. Site regenerating and drying out.
26th March 2022
1 hour morning walk of 1.3km. 17 new bee orchid finds recorded.
The annual count is now 513, and 71 down on last year`s recordings.
Rabbit activity noted within fenced areas..No grazing but still some signs of scrambling. Common spotted orchids are now emerging as are some pyramidal orchids Site regenerating and drying out. Flowerings will be less this year.
14th April 2022
Afternoon walk covering 1.4km and lasting over 1 hour.
Good recording conditions with 23 new bee orchid finds.
Annual count is now 536, 48 down on last year`s recordings.
Rabbit activity will greatly affect summer flowerings.
No grazing but still signs of scrambling on site.
Pyramidal orchids continue to emerge. Site drier and regenerating.
28th April 2022
Morning walk covering 1.3km and lasting 50 minuites.
Good recording conditions. No new finds.
Annual count of Bee orchids still 536.
Over 7% of emerging plants remain.
Plant losses mainly due to rabbit activity.
No grazing. Minimal signs of scrambling on site.
Site drier and regenerating.
13th May 2022
Morning walk covering 1.2km and lasting 45 minuites.
Good recording conditions. No new finds.
Annual count of Bee orchids still 536.
Less than 7% of emerging plants now remain.
Some plants with developing flowers seen.
Recent losses mainly due to rabbit activity.
No grazing. Minimal signs of scrambling on site.
Common spotted and pyramidal orchids checked.
Green winged orchids faded and seeding.
Site regenerating.
25th May 2022
Evening walk covering 1.2km and lasting 46 minuites.
Good recording conditions. No new finds.
Annual count of Bee orchids still 536.
Remaining plants, 7.6% of all recorded, have developing flowers.
Brambles closing in and clogging some bee orchid areas.
No grazing. Very minimal signs of scrambling on site.
Common spotted and pyramidal orchids with developing flower heads.
Green winged orchids faded and gone.
Site continues to regenerate.
6th June 2022
Afternoon walk covering 1.4km and lasting 66 minutes.
Good recording conditions. Many plants recovered. 10 new finds.
Annual count of Bee orchids now 546.
12.82% of all recorded now have flowers.
Brambles still closing in and clogging some bee orchid areas.
No grazing. No signs of recent scrambling on site.
Some pyramidal orchids with developing flower heads.
Site continues to regenerate.
18th June 2022
Afternoon walk covering 1.2km and lasting one hour.
Wider search and good recording conditions. 16 new finds.
Bee orchids annual count now 562. 16+ flowering, some mature.
Brambles clogging some areas which will reduce future numbers greatly.
No signs of grazing or scrambling.
Common spotted and pyramidal orchids observed.
Site regenerating.
6th July 2022
Afternoon walk covering the whole area relating to bee orchids.
All the flowering plants have now withered and are gone.
Annual survey and count closed at 562.
Scrub and brambles clogging and covering over some orchid regions.
Conservation work required. No signs of grazing or scrambling.
Other species continue to be checked and monitored.
New Bee orchid survey commences in the Autumn of 2022.
AUTUMN 2022 to SUMMER 2023
Bee orchid recording in north Bournemouth
From 2nd to 25th September 2022
5 visits were made during this month. All areas carefully checked. No signs yet of any emerging plants. Site conditions improved & little ground disturbances.
12th October 2022
Afternoon recording session. 13 emerging bee orchid plants found in good condition. All the site checked except for one region due to brambles. Some fenced compartments becoming overgrown. Recordings down on last year`s figures. No recent signs of ground disturbance. No grazing.
11th November 2022
Late morning to early afternoon site visit lasting 2.5 hours.
1 hour was spent on clearing brambles in orchid regions.
Clearing and opening up some areas would benefit orchids.
Site drier with improved growing conditions. 123 new finds.
Annual count is now 136, an increase of 80%+ on last year.
Little ground disturbance and better recording conditions.
7th December 2022
Early afternoon bright and clear site visit lasting 1 hour.
Over 1.1km covered with 35 new finds gps recorded.
Site dry. Growing conditions ok. No maintenance noted.
Some emerging plants grubbed and chewed by rabbits.
Indications of some recent scrambling but less ground disturbance.
Annual count is 171, 6.04% decrease on recordings to 3rd December 2021. Enjoyable visit with good recording conditions.
13th January 2023
Morning visit lasting one hour.
Fair recording conditions with 19 new finds.
Over 1.2km covered and the site was waterlogged.
River over flowed onto nearby low land areas.
No recent site maintenance noted.
Larger plants found. Many nibbled by rabbits.
Signs of scrambling in regions not fenced.
Muddied tracks indicate regular walking in some areas.
Annual count is 190.
(Over 37% down on Jan 2022; 67% down on Jan 2021).
Summer flowering will be less this year?
3rd February 2023
Late morning visit lasting one hour.
Dry recording conditions with 14 new finds.
Over 1.2km covered and the site dry and firm.
No recent signs of site maintenance noted.
Scrub encroaching in all orchid areas.
Plastic parts, book,gloves etc from a motorbike.
Signs of 2 scrambler types in regions not fenced.
Smaller wheeled tracks in one fenced orchid area.
Few large plants noted and rabbit nibbled plants.
Walkers visit daily and horse activity minimal.
Annual Bee orchid count is now 204.
Our count is 57.32% down on last February`s data.
2nd March 2023
Mid morning visit lasting over one hour.
Dry recording conditions with 11 new finds.
1.2km covered. Site dry and firm.
Scrub still encroaches many orchid areas.
Book, motorbike bits on ground in the south.
Other plastic items noted, not there last month.
Scrambling activities noted in some areas.
Access gained to one orchid area.
Fencing repair/maintenance appears to be minimal.
Some horse grazing noted. Not whole site.
Rabbits present in orchid areas.
Smaller remaining plants and few larger ones.
Annual Bee orchid count is now 215.
Present data is 43% of total, early March 2022.
Data represents 37% of total, early March 2021.
4th April 2023
Mid morning visit lasting over 55 minutes.
Mostly dry recording conditions, with one damp muddy track.
1.2km covered. 26 new emerging plant finds.
Encroaching advancing scrub covering more orchid areas.
Motorbike bits still on the ground in the south.
Smaller scrambling vehicles visited some areas.
Vehicles have affected one orchid area where fence pole down.
Fencing repair/maintenance appears to be minimal.
No recent grazing noted.
Rabbits still present in orchid areas.
larger developing plants protected in sheltered areas.
Annual Bee orchid count is now 241.
Present data is 44.96% of total, late April 2022.
Present data represents 41.26% of total, late April 2021.
Pyramidal and common spotted orchids continue to emerge.
1st May 2023
Late morning visit lasting over 59 minutes.
Good recording conditions. Over 1.2km covered.
Conservation work noted in some regions.
21 new finds gps recorded, some small.
Larger specimens with developing flowers.
Bramble scrub still covering some orchid areas.
Fence pole not yet repaired allowing access to vehicles.
Conservation within another fenced area aiding orchids.
No signs of recent grazing.
Rabbits still present in most orchid areas.
Annual Bee orchid count is now 262.
Present data is 48.88% of total, late May 2022.
Pyramidal and common spotted orchids developing well.
Flowering numbers of bee orchids are not expected to be high.
16th May 2023
Mid afternoon visit lasting 50 minutes.
Good recording conditions. 1.2km covered.
No new finds. Very few plants remaining.
Bramble scrub still covering some orchid areas.
Fence pole not yet repaired allowing access to vehicles.
No signs of recent grazing.
Rabbits present in most orchid areas.
Annual Bee orchid count remains at 262.
Present data remains at 48.88% of total, late May 2022.
Common spotted orchids ok, fewer Pyramidals noted.
Bee orchid flowering numbers are expected to be low.
Another orchid species still flowering on site.
9th June 2023
Mid morning visit lasting 56 minutes.
Sunny excellent conditions. 1.2km covered.
8 new finds. 41 flowering in total, some mature plants.
Bramble scrub continues to encroach some orchid areas.
No recent grazing. Recent mowing of some natural paths.
Rabbits present in most orchid areas.
Annual Bee orchid count now at 270.
15.19% of plants recorded reached the flowering stage.
Annual Bee orchid count to 6th June 2022 was 546.
Present data remains at 49.45% of total, early June 2022.
Common spotted orchids ok, no flowers.
Pyramidal orchids noted with developing flowers.
29th June 2023
Mid morning visit lasting over one hour.
Good recording conditions. Thorough checks made.
No new finds. All flowering Bee orchids now gone.
Bramble continues to encroach orchid areas.
No recent grazing. Maintenance and site tidied recently.
Rabbits still present in many orchid areas.
Annual Bee orchid count now closed at 270.
Up to 6th July 2022, 562 recorded on site.
Present data remains at 48.04% of total, early July 2022.
Pyramidal orchids noted with 37 in flower.
New Bee orchid survey commences in the Autumn of 2023.
AUTUMN 2023 to SUMMER 2024
Bee orchid recording in north Bournemouth.
From 2nd to 28th September 2023
Several visits were made during this month.
All areas checked. One path cleared of brambles.
Unable to access one bee orchid area at present.
No signs yet of any emerging plants.
Last lady`s tresses orchid now seeded.
Site conditions ok. Recent conservation work.
Little ground disturbance.
1st October to 31st October 2023
Due to unfavourable weather conditions, no visits made this month.
22nd November 2023
1 hour afternoon walk covering over 1km.
Some areas unable to access.
Many orchid regions overgrown.
Only 4 bee orchid plants gps recorded.
Rabbits present in some orchid regions.
Evidence of Scrambling by different bikes.
Ground disturbances and many areas damp.
Very poor recording session.
30th December 2023
Over 1 hour afternoon walk covering 1km.
Very impressed with recent work to benefit
orchids and wildlife. All areas accessed.
At least 9 new finds gps recorded today.
Latest survey count now 13.
Area very waterlogged in many regions.
Little evidence observed of scrambling on site.
First and only visit to site due to recent weather.
26th January 2024
Over one hour afternoon walk covering 1.4km.
BCP staff on site carry out conservation tasks.
Ongoing improvements to site noted and supported.
All beneficial to flora and fauna.
All areas checked. 15 new bee orchids finds.
Good recordings conditions and weather dry.
Latest survey count now 28.
Access greatly improved & no scrambling noted.
Present work by BCP benefits years to come.
12th February 2024
Over one hour afternoon walk covering 1.0km.
BCP staff member on site using a tractor,carrying out conservation tasks.
Staff member shown emerging bee orchids in the immediate area.
Ongoing work and improvements fully supported.
Many areas checked and good recording conditions.
Latest survey count remains at 28.
Present work by BCP continues to benefit the years to come.
No scrambling noted.
5th March 2024
One hour afternoon walk covering over 1.0km.
Areas of the site waterlogged.
Very pleased with continuing conservation work.
Main areas checked and good recording conditions.
Latest survey count has increased to 84.
A few larger bee orchid plants found. Most small.
At least 14 emerging pyramidal orchids recorded.
Good positive visit and no recent signs of scrambling'
1st April 2024
Seventy minute walk covering over 1.5km.
Many areas of the site still muddy and wet.
Pleased with signs of recent conservation work.
All areas checked. Good recording conditions.
20 new finds. Annual Survey count now 104.
Some larger plants noted. Most very small.
No new pyramidal recordings. count still 14.
Good visit. No signs of scrambling on site.
21st April 2024
Morning walk,covering 1.1km in good conditions.
Many areas of the site have now dried up.
Pleased with signs of recent on-going conservation work.
14 new finds. Annual Bee Orchid Survey count now 118.
Plants recorded today very small.
No new pyramidal recordings. count still 14.
Good visit. No signs of scrambling.
Green-winged Orchid
Anacamptis morio/ Orchis morio
We were pleased to photograph and gps a small number of them between the 6th & 7th May 2018 in a new location in north Bournemouth. Flowering heights at 70mm, 85mm & 150mm. We also informed Bournemouth Council and others.
1 flower found in early May 2019.
2 flowering specimens recorded and photographed in north Bournemouth on 18th May 2021.
2 flowering together in an exposed location in north Bournemouth on 28th April 2022.
3 flowering together in a very open location in north Bournemouth on 1st May 2023. Heights of plants on 16th May 2023: c135mm, c185mm & c270mm.
The aforementioned did not appear in 2024. However, on the same site, another flowering specimen was found on 6th May 2024, height c215mm.
Until recently, this species also flowered successfully in a private garden close to Kinson Common. On Turbary Common at West Howe, Bournemouth, one plant of the green-winged orchid was recorded in 1994 and was still present there to 2002-2003.
Autumn Lady`s Tresses
Spiranthes spiralis
We were fortunate to be able to discover this new local species in the Kinson region on the 9th September 2018.
On a number of regular visits which followed, we were able to gps record, photograph and map their numbers and distribution. Throughout this process the information we gathered was made fully available to Bournemouth Borough Council.
2019 to 2022 also proved to be successful years for this species and data, maps and photos, were forwarded to the BCP Council. During this time, over 2,380, (updated 4th October 2022), were recorded.
2 tiny specimens found in flower in the Kinson region on 10th August 2023.
In 2023, over 483 autumn lady`s tresses were gps recorded in north Bournemouth to 27th September. This was a vast improvement on 2022 when only 178 were recorded.