The hedgerows around Weymouth Wetlands’ Radipole Lake reserve are abundant and colourful now as we move into early summer and this is the time when our orchids start to appear. So far, we’ve counted three Southern Marsh Orchids in the early stages of flowering on the Buddleia Loop and hopefully many more are on their way. We’ve also spotted a wonderful Bee Orchid by the path up to the North Hide. These are an opportunist plant and can turn up in unexpected places.

Other orchids to look out for here are the Common Spotted Orchid and the Pyramidal Orchid, which flowers in July.

Based on information supplied by Sara Cookson.