Thirty DPA and Devon Wildlife Trust volunteers gathered at Pudsham Meadows for the annual orchid count on 13th June. The weather and the flowering season were in our favour this year.
Orchid counters in Pudsham Meadow
Pairs and small groups each surveyed one species in one field.
Orchid counting in Small Field
Orchid counting in Small Field
We came up with the grand total of 3664 (give or take a few) of four species: Heath Spotted-orchid, Southern Marsh-orchid, Twayblade and Greater Butterfly-orchid.
Coffee break
The supplies at coffee break were even more varied than usual – there were FIVE cakes to choose from – as a birthday celebration was included.
Bracken pulling in Goat Field
Once the counting was over many people pulled bracken from Small and Goat Fields.
Bracken pulling Goat Field
The areas which had been pulled last year showed a reduction in height and density of bracken compared with the mown and strimmed areas. This should help speed up the reduction in bracken and allow the flowers to flourish.