An excellent display at Coulters Dean
Local experts Di & Martin Mitchell provided a fascinating insight into the wide range of orchids and other species which can be seen at this local nature reserve in early June.
The incredibly rich fragment of chalk downland lies on the South Downs above the village and is managed by the Hampshire Wildlife Trust and local volunteers.
A number of species of orchids were found on this special Open Morning which had been arranged as part of Buriton’s climate and nature activities.
One of the highlights was the fascinating fly orchid. Its fly-shaped flowers release a scent which mimics the pheromones of female digger wasps and therefore attract males that attempt to mate with them. The male wasps get a dusting of pollen, which they then carry on to the next flower that lures them, hopefully pollinating that plant.
Other orchids seen growing on this visit included Twayblades, Fragrant, Butterfly, Common Spotted, White Helleborine, Sword-leaved Helleborine, Broad-leaved Helleborine and Bee Orchids.
But the reserve is renowned for many other beautiful and scarce downland species, many of which were also on show in this visit.
As is often the case, the grassland was also alive with butterflies, moths, hoverflies and other creatures – with the population of Small Blue butterflies being a popular attraction on this visit.
