Early Purple Delight.

Yesterday evening our Trust met for two hours. Knottman's morning was taken up writing minutes and letters arising from our decisions. The temptation to look out at the view whilst typing was reduced by frequent torrential downpours.

What joy then to be able after lunch to saunter forth in sunshine and just 12 minutes from home, find this delightful patch.

This is Early Purple Orchid (Orchis mascula). There are far fewer than there used to be fifty years ago but it can still be found in every County. The blotchy leaves are a give away although some can be found without. Its name derives from the fact the it has two underground tubers which resemble testicles, a fact which apparently so shocked the famous critic John Ruskin that he tried to have the name changed.

At the moment there must be thousands in flower on Arnside Knott in places alongside Cowslips.