Orchis simia

Mission accomplished! In humid overcast conditions, the spaniel and I set off in search of the elusive Monkey orchid, known from only three locations in the UK. It was the first time I had ever found this threatened orchid. I found just five plants in flower, all somewhat dampened from yesterday's continuous rain, but unmistakably monkey-like in appearance. I also found several White Helleborine orchids just coming into flower but it was too windy to get a decent photograph.