More Friday May 30th

Like Andy and Robert I spent some time at Holme Dunes this afternoon, mostly around Lavender and Ragged Marshes and parts of the dunes. I recorded 82 different species in flower, including several new to me for the year and a few new for the patch. There are a number of grasses, sedges and rushes beginning to flower now and some of them take a bit of sorting out though others are more straightforward. Long-bracted Sedge, Saltmarsh Rush and Common Saltmarsh grass are just three to be found on the edge of saltmarsh or dune slack. The soil in the Paddocks must be reasonably acidic as both Sheep's Sorrel and Heath Milkwort were growing there. I went to check where the Pyramidal Orchids had flowered so well last year and found a lot in bud and was surprised to find one plant in full flower (I took photos but the wind was too strong so they are not in clear focus). I also managed to find 8 Bee Orchids in flower. The tiny flowers of Shrubby Sea-blite are open if you look carefully. Along Thornham Bank I agree with Andy that the tall yellow brassicas are Black Mustard with plenty of Scented Mayweed lower down. The patches of Marsh Sow-thistle seem to be growing well for flowering later in the year. A lovely day to be out and about.