Well that was another wonderful wildlife wander, Sylvia’s Meadow this time looking for orchids. And we found them, lots!
We parked in the crammed car park of the newly refurbished Rifle Volunteer. Down the dark and shady footpath, which also looked as if it had been spruced up to meet Stuart and his two lovely little daughters. There was some difficulty with the gate due to someone being very vigilant and securing it with zip ties but Raz whipped out his trusty pocket knife and it was soon dealt with.
Once we got our eyes in, there they were. Platanthera Chlorantha, Platanthere Bifolia - Greater and Lesser Butterfly, Orchis Mascula - Early Purple and Dactylorhiza Maculata - Heath Orchid for sure and others not so sure, even with Stuart’s comprehensive Orchid book. Wonderful!
After a happy hour we retraced our steps up to the main road, crossing over, we continued up to Hingston Down Hill. Apparently due to the prolific tin mining that took place around here it has it’s own rhyme.
‘Hingston Down well ywrought is worth more than London Town dearly bought’
It certainly was just for the fantastic 360 degrees views. On down leafy tracks and back through one of the many new housing estates that have sprung up in St Ann’s Chapel and ........ IN .......to another lovely welcoming pub. No discrimination here for Casual Drinkers. Another good one to bare in mind for celebratory dinners me thinks.
Stella