Page 30 - jul2021

July 2021 July 2021
We are fortunate to be able to find other
varieties of orchid in the area. The first to BERE REGIS SPORTS CLUB - CRICKET
appear locally is the Early Purple Orchid – a
group of about 15 were to be seen on Black Website: www.bereregis.com
Hill this year, flowering at the same time as the
bluebells. They are an indicator of ancient
woodland. They grow to a similar height to the
Southern Marsh Orchid, but have a darker Cricket Section – Home Fixtures in
tone with splodge markings on the leaves. July
There are some wonderful common or folk
names for them including - blue butcher, Saturday 3rd - Witchampton II
adder’s meat, goosey ganders, kite’s legs, and Saturday 10th – Sherborne
dead man’s fingers!
Monday 12 – Weymouth U15
th
Further afield there has been a good show of
th
Pyramidal Orchids along the A35 verges next Wednesday 14 – Hazelbury Bryan
to the cycle path between the Affpuddle and
Bere Regis turn offs. Unsurprisingly, this orchid is Thursday 15th – Martinstown U13
distinguished by the pyramidal shape of the Saturday 17th – Swanage II
flower head. The flowers are generally purple
in colour, but white ones can also be found. It is naturally a flower of old, semi- Sunday 18th – Dorset v Wiltshire U12
natural chalk and limestone grasslands. However, it has taken advantage of more
artificial habitats with colonies appearing on derelict land, roadside verges and Thursday 22nd – Cerne Valley
canals. Saturday 24 – Dorchester
th
Yet more orchids may be seen at Bladen Valley, Briantspuddle where a number Sunday 25 – Dorset v Buckinghamshire U14
th
of front gardens are awash with them.
Saturday 31 – Cattistock/Symene II
st
All orchids produce a mass of incredibly fine seed which is distributed on the wind.
However, few germinate and grow to become mature plants. This is because
orchids need a specific type of mycorrhizal fungus to be present in the soil – the
fungus enters the roots of the plants and helps convert nutrients into usable form
which enables the plant to flourish.
There are a wide range of other orchid species locally and across the UK – keep
your eyes peeled, recent spots include a very delicate Fragrant Orchid and a Bee
Orchid on the coastal path.
Orchids are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, making it illegal to
uproot the plant. Enjoy seeing them in their natural environment, but please leave
them undisturbed for others to enjoy and for you to be able to enjoy again in
future years.

White Tailed Eagles
White Tailed Eagles, or Sea Eagle, is Britain’s largest bird of prey with an incredible
eight foot wingspan. Adults are predominantly brown, with a pale head and

30 39