RSPB Garston Wood and Martin Down

I was really looking forward to visiting Martin Down, and was going to pop into RSPB Garston Wood solely to see Toothwort, which is often reported from there.
The day turned on it's head with Garston Wood being an incredible place, and Martin down being, well, hard work with little reward.

Garston Wood was amazing. An A-to-Z of woodland plants with Bluebells, and Ramsons everywhere, quite a few Early Purple Orchids, Solomon's Seal, Bugle, Yellow Archangel, Butcher's Broom, Dog's Mercury, Primrose, Wood Spurge, Wood Sorrell, and yes, eventually I found two Toothwort very close to the car park, which I had walked past twice.

On to Martin Down, where I had hoped to see Green-Winged Orchid, but no joy. It was like going back a month, with a very barren landscape. Did manage Hairy Violet, Ladies Bedstraw, Chalk Milkwort. Hard work though, and to think I hope to return within a month for Burnt Orchid and Green-winged orchid.. It might be worth my while looking for a smaller, easier location!

Photo album