Kent - If You Go Down to the Woods Today....!

The weeks are rolling on and as birding enters into the doldrums in terms of migration it is time to look at other subjects. Traditionally I look at butterflies at this time of year and have also dabbled with moths and looking at wild flowers. To say I have found the latter tricky is an understatement with so much variety even in the common plants.

Today’s weekly venture took Pete and I to places located in the hidden depths of Kent. The adventurers had only a spell-book “Orchids of Kent” to ward off any monsters and demons that lived in the hills. I must have at least looked the part wearing my trusted sunhat as this dude negotiated the fields and hillsides in search of his quarry! The birds would also play a small part as the day unfolded.

Denge Wood

Had an interesting mix of passerines including Firecrest, Willow Warbler, Marsh Tit and Garden Warbler. The former was very obliging on the edge of the woodland.

Two new species of butterfly Small Heath and Duke of Burgandy.

Lady Orchid were seen in great numbers scattered alone the hillside.

White Helleborine was not as numerous with only a handful found on the hills.  

Common Spotted and Twayblade were also noted during the search.

Yockletts Bank


This woodland bordered farmland which held Turtle Dove and Yellowhammer. The purring of the doves was a nice relaxing accompaniment to the search in the woods.

Fly Orchid a cluster were easily found

Greater Butterfly Orchid only a single plant was located just off one of the paths.

Park Gate Down


Had the least interesting birds of the day but a couple of Apache helicopters had us wondering if war had actually broken out as they negotiated the valley!

Monkey Orchid the prize of the day as this is only found in a couple of sites in the country.

Early Purple we had obviously missed peak flowering of this orchid but there were a few in the fields.

Chalk Fragrant a few were found.

Twayblade they were sturdier and fuller plants than seen at Denge Wood.

Green winged another miss with regard to timing but a couple of withering specimens was found.

The day had passed and a very enjoyable one at that and the Orchids definitely reflect what is on the label which makes remembering the names so much easier!