Wild Orchid Hunt

Let's go on a wild orchid hunt.

There are around 50 endemic species growing wild in the UK. Most are rare or very rare, but a small handful are quite widespread and can be found on grass verges and open fields. The Chilterns are home to around 15 – 20 species, mostly confined to small, specialised nature reserves where they can be difficult to spot due to their low habit and limited flowering period.

Let’s see if we can find some in the Dancer’s End reserve near Tring.
We will walk for no more than a mile and a half but some of this is extremely steep, therefore please wear walking shoes with a decent grip. Please also bring water and maybe a snack, perhaps a hat too, and a torch for dark, tree-rooted sections of the wood on the return trip (I will have a couple of spares with me). We will follow paths most of the time to avoid brambles so shorts should be ok.

Meet at 6.30pm sharp and we'll aim to start walking at 6.45. Reception is very poor here so don’t rely on me picking up last minute messages (my mobile: 07850 816008). We can expect to be back at the car park by or before 9.30pm latest.

Parking is free but limited so I would encourage car-sharing if possible.
We'll meet at the car park of the Dancer's End Nature Reserve, located at:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/RJ5XmGtNwNoGMXzRA
What 3 Words: ///snappy.bubbles.skillet

This is next door to the Dancer's End Pumping House and just across the road from the reserve. Postcode is HP23 6LB

Please consider making a £1 donation to Martin’s BW&S meetup fund using paypal.me/MartinJ1986 (choose the friends and family option).

NB: Attendees are expected to take responsibility for their own preparation and safety. Do please make me aware beforehand of any medical conditions or other concerns.
Thank you.