Peter Jones Wildlife blog

Took a break during my monthly Reptile survey in the New Forest, and walked to nearby Wilverley plain, which is good for Autumn Ladies Tresses, a late flowering Orchid. Took a few minutes to find one, then as often happens, you realise they are everywhere! a small number where coming into flower, some a straight, other corkscrewed. All just a couple of inches high in the short grass. Also saw Scarlet Pimpernel, and Bog Pondweed, plus Lesser Centaury, a regular flower in the New Forest it would seem. https://photos.app.goo.gl/quwk31rQLJ7Dxviw5

A quick visit to the new Wildlife trust reserve on the edge of Romsey, Fishlake Meadows. The area has always been good for wildlife, but now access is greatly improved. My highlight was an Otter, extremely close, but plenty of flowers were visible along the path. I think I have the photos correct. Also seen were Watermint, and Bittersweet. https://photos.app.goo.gl/9Eg1uWW7k4TMUjWJ6

Spent a week in Eastern France at Val de Bonnal, a complex of lakes and a river. Although the immediate area was pretty intensively manicured, there were a few unkept areas with plenty of wild flowers. Hopefully most are correctly identified.. https://photos.app.goo.gl/sMSWyy5LQhCrQfbB8

I visited Ladle Hill, which is renowned for the late flowering Burnt Orchid, but in two visits now, no joy. Will wait until next spring for the larger early flowering variant. Did however take some pics of some other flowers which I have identified on the PC, and with the Collins Wildflower guide back at home. Also popped into Greywell Moors, and saw Water Forget Me Not, and Brooklime https://photos.app.goo.gl/fAJUBkrptTzqijuT9

Very lucky living in Hampshire. We seem to have some incredible diversity for all wildlife groups. Orchids are no exception with a good selection in the county. Marsh Helleborine and Broad-leaved Helleborine seen yesterday in Wildlife Trust reserves. https://photos.app.goo.gl/6W1D2AUY6KabdZL79

Success in my search for Bog Orchid. Matley Bog is pretty dry at the moment. Stories of people going under to their waist in this bog seem hard to believe judging by this summer. In fact I struggled to find any wet boggy areas, which made the orchid hunt easier once I found water. Took about 30 minutes to see my first one, then realising there were at least double figures in the vicinity. A tiny Orchid, about 6-7cm high. I suspect in wetter summers, this particular area of the bog would be impossible to get to. https://photos.app.goo.gl/4q6V9PMwuRF6CBh47

A couple more flowers seen recently. Ladies Bedstraw at Ladle Hill, and Lesser Centaury at Baddesley Common. Both took me an age to identify!

I spent two dubiously enjoyable afternoons searching in vain for Bog Orchid. New Forest is a stronghold for this plant, but these Orchids are tiny, and in the middle of bogs, so not easy to find. I did, however, see some other cool plants typical of boggy habitats.. Sundew, Marsh St.John's Wort, Common Cottongrass, Bog Asphodel, and Bog Pimpernel https://photos.app.goo.gl/MUuAY4WDa2LbELmb9

Originally shared by Peter Jones Plenty of Orchids this week, with hundreds of Common Spotted and a few Chalk Fragrant on Pewsey Downs, and a nice assortment of Bee, Common Spotted, Pyramidal, and Greater Butterfly at Collard Hill. https://photos.app.goo.gl/PvSiS6XtFHfGPAb39

Originally shared by Peter Jones Plenty of Orchids around, a few hundred Heath Spotted in the New Forest during my Reptile Survey a week or so ago.

I've renamed this collection to include wild flowers and plants seen in Hampshire and the UK mainly. This should breathe some new life into the collection as I see a lot more flowers than fungi!

An aged Giant Puffball, found recently in Wiltshire

Think these were Trouped Funnel, growing in a fairy ring around an oak tree on parkland.

Common Earthball on Baddesley Common

Birch Mazegill on Baddesley Common

Two-toned Crumblecap, growing in the garden recently

The Sickener. found in the New Forest under coniferous trees.

Scaly Earthball. Two of these have sprung up in my back garden recently, prompting me to find out more about fungi, and try to identify some of the many species I see round the local countryside. This is not an easy undertaking with hundreds if not thousands of species, some very similar, so apologies in advance if I make any errors!