Marsh Helleborine

A visit to Mapledurwell Fen last week during another respite from the rain was made in the hope of finding the marsh helleborine.  The fen is managed by the Hampshire and IOW Wildlife Trust and is wet at the moment which the plants seemed to appreciate.  Among the profusion of other orchids were the helleborines, which were really nice to see.  Also seen for the first time were the bog pimpernel (Anagallis tenella), the large bird's food trefoil (Lotus pedicularis) and Hoary Wllowherb (Epilobium parviflorum) among others.  The marsh valerians were present but had gone to seed so I'll pop in earlier next year.  The main treat however was the Epipactis palustris.

Epipactis palustris (Marsh Helleborine)