Monthly Archives: July 2013

“Dactylorhiza maculata;  narthecium ossifragum;  calluna vulgaris;  eriophorum angustifolium.”

That’s easy for you to say Steve!

A cooler day, following our recent heatwave, to join Steve Joul in working on Adel Bog.  We had an excellent turn out of twelve of us (in addition to Steve).

Adel Bog

Thanks to Steve for the photographs of the orchid, bog asphodel and cotton grass, each taken today.  Your correspondent is responsible for the other photographs.  You can see bigger versions of the photographs if you click on them.

Heath spotted orchid on Adel Bog

Despite your correspondent’s fears that the recent hot weather would have converted the bog into the Adel Dustbowl,  it was still boggy and  looking good – though the standing water of a few weeks ago had disappeared.

When we arrived at the bog, some of our party were rewarded by the sight of a Roe deer which promptly leapt off when it became aware of our presence.

It was particularly gratifying to see a wonderful display of Heath Spotted Orchids (dactylorhiza maculata – though you knew this!), one growing in an area which was recently cleared by BTCV of molinia caerulea (Purple Moor Grass).

Bog asphodel on Adel Bog

We embarked on a variety of different tasks.  Beth, Ade, Andrew and David cut down overhanging trees at the edge of the bog;  Geoff vigorously set about clearing the south eastern area of the bog, long overgrown with bracken, brambles and honeysuckle; while  Judith, Sylvia, Steph, Barbara and Mary cleared saplings, brambles and bracken (pteridium aquilinum) from the west end of the bog.  Steve counted the Heath Spotted Orchids, 75 on the first count and 82 on the second – well up from our last count last year.

Cotton grass on Adel Bog

It was a beautiful morning: there were many butterflies fluttering about in the bog, and the display of orchids, bog asphodel (narthecium ossifragum – I know I am teaching my grandmother to suck eggs!), potentilla erecta, cotton grass (eriophorum angustifolium) and  calluna vulgaris (OK, ling or common heather) was  a joy to behold.

We finished about 12.15 pm on a high after a morning of teamwork, companionship, fun and achievement.

Thanks are due as usual to Steve for his educational and inspirational leadership.

We are working on the bog again on Sunday 18 August, when we shall be carrying out more of this important work.