Early-purple Orchids blooming two weeks earlier than usual in Sussex

 Early-purple Orchids are in full bloom now in this Sussex wood --  two weeks earlier than in previous years.  Keep your eyes open for these upright purple flowers (in the centre of the picture above).

 These following pictures were taken from the same spot using the powerful zoom lens of the Panasonic DMC-FZ1000 camera.

Also emerging from the ground is the Common Twayblade orchid with its characteristic two leaves.
Sussex is a great county for native orchids, which will reach a peak of splendour in June.

To see an orchid spectacle in June, The National Trust is organising an illustrated talk (covering twenty six native orchid species) at the National Trust learning centre at Saddlescombe Farm.  The talk will be followed by a walk on Newtimber Hill lead by National Trust Ranger,  Graham Wellfare.

The date is Tuesday 20 June 2017 from 10.30 to 13.30hr. and costs £10.00.
Please wear suitable clothing and footwear. Bring a picnic lunch if needed or there is a café onsite. The National Trust will provide tea & coffee.
Booking is essential and places are limited.  Call Graham on 01273 857981 or email graham.wellfare@nationaltrust.org.uk to book.

Further details can be found at https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events/b2db466a-fdc4-48e8-979f-2fc3df32bdd7/pages/details and please note booking is essential.
Details of the illustrated talk can be viewed at http://www.peterlovetttalks.co.uk/orchids.html