An exciting time where Birds are busy raising young, Orchids bloom and Insects start to emerge.
Spring is an exciting season when I love showing people the amazing Butterflies and Orchids we have in this country. On last years trips we found 24 species of Orchid and their habitat often holds interesting Butterflies and Dragonflies. East Anglia has some real specialities, none more enigmatic than the Swallowtail. We are also home to Purple Emperor and Silver Washed Fritillary.
Our coastal marshes hold breeding Bittern, Stone Curlew, Avocets and Bearded Tits. Our coast also attracts many migrants and rarities but they are obviously difficult to predict and plan for. We can visit some of the RSPB’s best reserves: a day at Minsmere can easily see 100 species in a day.
Some of our trips further afield include…..
Kent for Early Spider Orchid :
We will start at Samphire Hoe to explore the Channel tunnel spoil heaps and it’s vast colony of Early Spider Orchids. Last year we found superbly fresh Adonis Blue. After lunch we will explore Oare Marshes Nature Reserve where Marsh Frogs should be croaking loudly while we see what waders the scrapes hold.
Oxfordshire or Kent Orchid Hunts :
A tour of the premier Orchid sites of the Chilterns. This is the peak time to see spectacular species including Monkey, Military, Greater Butterfly and Fly Orchid, as well as White Helleborine and hybrids. If the weather smiles on us we also have the chance to see Club Tailed Dragonfly.
Alternatively Kent offers sites for Monkey, Late Spider, Greater Butterfly and Lady Orchids. Always a fantastic day with plenty to photograph and see.
Black Hairstreak butterfly trip : Late June
A trip to our most local site for this rare species of butterfly where we can explore a very special Bedfordshire woodland.
Thetford Nightjar evening walks :
A walk in Thetford Forest to see this enigmatic bird. Several pairs nest in the area we will visit so we will watch from bridleways as they churr and display, before they leave the area to feed.
Thursley Common for Dragonflies : Mid July
We will drive down to this incredible National Nature Reserve and search out the vast range of Dragonflies which make this area their home. Downy and Brilliant Emeralds should be flying, along with Small Red Damselfly and Black Darter. The area holds Dartford Warblers, Woodlark and Hobby. We will explore this vast area and try to photograph what we find.
WELCOME 