Group at Augill Pasture
Visit led by Charlie Philpotts on Sunday 25th June.
Our focus was on orchids, and 13 species (including hybrids), were found, but as we explored, the diversity of other wild flowers growing in these 2 reserves was a delight and our tally, including other wild flowers, was over 100 species. Augill Pastures, SSSI, lies 260m above sea level, and is a rare area of ‘unimproved neutral northern grassland’, including a steep bank down to Augill Beck. Waitby Greenriggs reserve is a section of the old Stainmore Railway and Eden Valley branch line. A diverse grassland flora has developed on the limestone, including Bird’s-eye Primrose, Herb Paris, Greater and Lesser Butterfly orchids and three sub-species of fragrant orchid growing together. Charlie was a knowledgeable, enthusiastic leader, who was always ready to share his passion for orchids. He particularly loves these 2 reserves and has visited them for some years. His wife loves scouting ahead for good specimens.
Checking a Fragrant Orchid, Waitby Greenriggs
At both sites we were treated to swathes of orchids, with perhaps the bank at Waitby Greenriggs being the most memorable example. The least frequent orchid was the Northern Marsh Orchid, Fly and Bird’s Nest orchids numbers were a little higher, and other orchids were frequently numerous. The list of other plants seen is not comprehensive as this was beyond our small group, but certainly some ‘gems’ were spotted, rarely or not seen before, by members of the group. Our thanks again go to Charlie Philpotts and his wife Julie, for leading this visit on one day of their ‘holiday’.
Kerry Morrison
Augill Pastures and Waitby Greenriggs Plant List
Greater Butterfly Orchid (Fraser Richmond)
Fly Orchid (Nigel Harcourt-Brown)