As I have mentioned previously, we are very fortunate to live close to remnant patches of the Mendip Great Wood, on of England’s last ancient forests, and Asham Woods is the biggest patch. The wonderful display of native daffodil (Narcissus pseudonarcissus) in early March should not be missed. This year it seems the plants seem more abundant than ever. Native daffodils are smaller and much more delicate than the garden hybrids, and were once one of our most common wild flowers. Sadly, they have become a very rare sight, and need searching for. Seeing them in their splendour in this ancient oak and hazel coppice is makes the searching worthwhile.

While in Asham Woods looking for daffodils I couldn’t help checking on the local orchid populations.

The rosettes of Bee Orchids (Ophrys apifera) (above) are coming on well, and the flower spikes are just starting to show on Early Purple Orchids (Orchis mascula) amongst the bluebells they will flower with. (below)

Here’s looking forward to enjoying the UK’s native orchids flowering from April until October.