The 25th May saw The 'Friends of Hampshire Farm Meadows' group have a second work party in the arboretum to finish off the mulching of this year’s new trees.

We had a good turnout of volunteers, 13, this time. With so many workers we were a bit short of wheelbarrows hence there was a lot of leaning on shovels and chatting, but it was a lovely sunny and warm day so no one minded.

A dog walker told us of some orchids in amongst the trees. On investigation we found 12 beautiful orchids. We have been told by someone who knows that they are most probably Southern Marsh Orchids hybridized with Common Spotted Orchids because some have the spots on their leaves and others do not.

Tucking into the mulch pile.

A likely cross between a Southern Marsh Orchid and a Common Spotted Orchid.