We ventured down to the Dorset Coast today for a socially distanced walk in some our favourite wild flower habitat on Portland. Sightings included this lovely Pyramidal orchid (anacamptis pyramidalis) with the first few flowers open and the classic pyramid flower spike shape.

This beautiful saprophyte (a parasitic plant with no chlorophyll that feeds on a plant or fungal host) – Ivy Broomrape (Orobanche hederae) often mistaken for an orchid. You can see the host ivy all around the broomrape.

My favourite native rose species, Burnet Rose (Rosa pimpinellifolia) most easily found on cliffs and sand dunes. Its mass of large white flowers in May and June are followed by large black hips. It also makes a fantastic garden plant.

…and Stinking Iris (Iris foetidissima) a horrid name for a lovely plant. Common on Dorset cliffs, woodlands and damp places.

It was also lovely to see the sea.