Now We Know Why

Since we first found this part of Cumbria, we have been aware that the verges through the village are classed as 'County Wildlife Sites'. We assumed this is connected to wildflowers. We were right!

Along with all the usual grasses, Keck, buttercups, nettles, docks etc that we are all familiar with, there are plenty of other interesting specimens;
Sweet Cicely - with it's pungent aniseed scent, honesty, birdsfoot trefoil, zigzag clover, selfheal, tufted vetch..........

But I guess one of the main reasons for the classification is the orchids, which are all over the verges for a number of miles.

That reminded us. The last time we

did one of our 'from home' walks, we made a note to go back and look for orchids. We had spotted a few leaves http://cumbrianretreat.blogspot.com/2010/06/ouch.html

We had no trouble at all finding them

I believe they are Common Spotted Orchid

and it would be no exaggeration to say that the area was absolutely carpeted in them. Neither of us have ever seen so many orchids in one place.

All this, on the doorstep. We still can't believe our luck.