The Orchids of Hutton Roof
2023
It's my pleasure to share some of the brilliant orchids found across Hutton Roof again this year. Whilst I cannot even begin to replicate the wonderful work done by my late friend Bryan Yorke over the last decade, I can for now, continue to monitor, record, and share some of the Hutton Roof specials.
"Today we have over 2,000 Dark-red Helleborines (Epipactis atrorubens) and its assorted varieties (with only 60% of the area surveyed), we also have over 400 Broad Leaved Helliborines (Epipactis helleborine), Usually around the 20 to 25 of the bolder Hybrids (atrorubens x helleborine) (Epipactis x schmalhauseneii), plus maybe up to 100 which are still unclassified and recorded as only "probable" but even these do have a strong leaning towards possible hybrids or plants that are breeding back on themselves, we have noticed all the Epipactis on Hutton Roof are fertile. Wouldn't it be grand if we could tell their DNA!!"
The Early Purple Orchid (Orchis mascula), Common Spotted Orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii), and Common Twayblade (Neottia ovata) can also be found across Hutton Roof. A Heath Fragrant Orchid (Gymnadenia borealis) was recorded several years ago, the Green-flowered Helleborine (Epipactis phyllanthes) and Fly Orchid (Ophrys insectifera) can be found here, and in 2023, another species for the records...
At some stage in the future, I hope to have more time to dedicate to my favourite place. For the orchids and for all the stunning and rare plants this area has. I'm sure there will be more rare Holly Ferns (Polystichum lonchitis) after Bryan refound them here in 2013; more Pale St John's Wort (Hypericum montanum); more Daphne mezereum...
There's plenty still to be found.
Martin
Monday 17th April
The beginning- a first flowering Early Purple Orchid (Orchis mascula) of the year, The Rakes, Hutton Roof.
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Fly Orchid (Ophrys insectifera) 22/5/23
2023 Fly Orchid Survey
Following some observations on the crag last year and the apparent decline in numbers of the Fly Orchid (Ophrys insectifera) alongside their national decline (BSBI Plant Atlas 2020), this year it took very little persuasion from Alan G to carry out a survey of the sites across Hutton Roof. The updated results will be passed to the county recorder.
These fantastic plants are not too far from the northern limit of their UK range on Hutton Roof.
There are several populations across the Hutton Roof complex. Bryan Yorke carried out a survey of these in 2018, recording 174 spikes.
Bryan had shared his notes and results with me, and this year we surveyed all the sites, to allow a comparison.
From research and contacts, I have found some historic records of Fly Orchids on other areas on the crag, but due to the limited information and/or size of area to cover, I will look to progress these in coming years, when I will have more time.
It took five days to survey the sites, between 22nd May and 1st June, including days with Alan and Mike W, who had assisted Bryan in 2018.
The total number of recorded spikes this year was 119.
This is nearly a third less than were recorded in 2018, but realistically, after what appeared to be a poor year last year, I am pleased we managed to record a total of over 100 in 2023.
They were found to be absent from some sites where small populations were recorded in the last decade.
The largest population recorded in 2018 had 82 plants. This year 65 were recorded.
One small population, recorded by Bryan between 2015 and 2018 (last total was 14 spikes), I had checked briefly in 2022, and found none. No spikes were found on the open grassland this year, but 11 were thankfully recorded under the protective shade of Gorse.
The survey concluded on 1st June. Only a few days later, the effects of the persistent hot dry weather from mid-May were very clear to see on many specimens.
However, despite their challenges, these brilliant plants and masters of mimicry are still at home on Hutton Roof.
It was great to meet David P on the crag, a few days after the survey, who was checking the beauties out for himself. He'd kindly shown Bryan a number of Fly Orchids he'd found on the fell back in 2018.
Monday 12th June
Finding the Bee Orchid
David also gave me some information about a small cluster of Bee Orchids (Ophrys apifera) he'd come across on the northwest of the Hutton Roof complex in 2019.
I have never recorded Ophrys apifera on the crags before, and to my knowledge there are no historic records, so it was wonderful to find a single flowering spike when checking the area late on this glorious summer evening.
This foot high spike was a fairly short distance away from the recorded cluster location, growing in the thin soil on limestone pavement, at 225 metres above sea level.
These opportunist orchids do seem to be found more frequently in Cumbria in recent years, but I was over the moon to know now we have another fantastic species here.
Thanks to David, I'm already looking forward to hopefully finding more next year.
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Common Spotted Orchid, Park Wood, Hutton Roof
Broad Leaved Helleborines (Epipactis helleborine) on their way
Wednesday 7th June
Back to the atrorubens, their variants, and the hybrids
The Epipactis melting pot that is Hutton Roof was described as follows by Bryan following his final orchid season. In some areas, it can genuinely be difficult to find a 'classic' atrorubens.
"Its such a mixed up place like no other, with Helleborines going in every single direction with morphology turning itself inside out and back again. If the truth was really known I am convinced we have more hybrids than could be reckoned, but it really is only the start because pointers along the way have led me to think now that the wonders have moved on and on and on and some of the plants we are looking at are at the many stages of introgression."
The variations that are plain to see on Hutton Roof make this highly likely.
There are many 'dark-red' plants across Hutton Roof, but in some areas of the fell they are certainly not the norm.
One reason why this is such a fantastic and unique place.
A favourite photograph, taken over 10 years ago.
E. helleborine & E. atrorubens.
It's little wonder here that we have hybridization.
A special location
A big cage for a big orchid. 'Specimen 100', a fabulous high vigour hybrid schmalhauseneii, recorded since 2020, and with 65 flowers in 2021, a Hutton Roof 'record breaker'. Coming through as a duo it seems this year.
Thursday 15th June
Barely two hours of light rain in the last month and consistently very hot temperatures.
These conditions during a crucial time in their growing cycle mean that 2023 will not be a vintage year for the atrorubens.
A Common Twayblade (
Neottia ovata) feeling the heat
Some of the notable specimens are hanging on though
42 and 42a
Epipactis atrorubens var. pallens. 13, happy in a well protected position
Escarp 13- A stunning plant, looking good for another year.
Friday 23rd June
Mixed feelings today, as the first atrorubens were in flower- twenty recorded. The last week has finally seen some overdue rainfall.
However, the weeks of dry, hot weather from mid-May to mid-June has led to dehydration and 'burn out', and a number of specimens coming through, but giving up. Some plants were found to be weak and had drooping inflorescence. The premature die-back was similar to the drought conditions observed in 2018.
A number of the recorded specimens appear to have suffered severe dehydration this year.
Fortunately there are enough plants that appear to be coming through okay.
Specimen 74. A no show in 2022, one I was particularly looking forward to seeing this year as it is a cracker, with a white epichile and bosses. Alas, it was not to be.
33, had come up as a duo this year
42a
42 and 42a
Saturday 24th June
A walk across the top, taking in the views, and also to check out another atrorubens population on Uberash Roughs
Up on the roof
Spot where a possible albiflora was found a few years ago and one of my goals to check today, but no show again this year.
Uberash Roughs. One of several plants in flower. Stunning.
The effects of the weather on the atrorubens this year have become unfortunately evident. The high vigour hybrids in particular have suffered. Below are some comparison photographs between this year and last.
2022: The 'Chinese Dragon', and this year
2022: Specimen 100.. and in 2023
However, in an area of the fell where several hundred atrorubens have been previously recorded, thankfully this year there are still plenty of stunning specimens to enjoy.
66
66
55c - a wonderful bicolour that never fails to impress. The 'bellsweep' profile is most pronounced on the petals and is instantly recognisable.
55c
55c
55c
55-suffered from dehydration, but managed to flower (just)
55a
Pallens 3, another victim of the weather
considered to be a hybrid
Cages for protection from some predators
55l- did not reach inflorescence
'Wheat' coloured bicolours last year, with red/pink outer sepals and yellow petals. Reduced anthocyanin levels this year- only a very faint red wash on the sepals. I'll be interested to see if they come through pale next time. Very light green stemmed. Fascinating morphology.
80s
Schmal 8. As far as it got this year
Pallens 8
Pallens 8
Pallens 8
Pallens 14, first time recorded
Pallens 14
Pallens 14
Thursday 13th July
About all over for the atrorubens show now, as the first helleborines come into flower.
The extent of the helleborine losses this year is even greater than the atrorubens. Very few plants making it through to full inflorescence (roughly 1 in 5 on the lower pavement) and many stunted.
V2- E. helleborine variagated.
V1- the usually stunning variagated specimen, or 'stripey', higher up the fell, gave up very early on.
SW10. Dark stemmed helleborine. No need for the tall cage this year.
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Updates on notable individual specimens have been added to the blog pages.
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2023 has not been the best year for the E. atrorubens and E. helleborines. In 2020 the total count in this one area of the fell was 650 atrorubens and 208 helleborines.
It is very clear to see that the numbers this year are down.
The loss and premature dieback of so many recorded specimens is frustrating, but inevitable with the weather patterns experienced.
But even a relatively poor year is still magical here.
The memorable day last year when the majority of the atrorubens could be seen in flower was 8th July. This year it was 28th June.
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These brilliant plants continue to have the power to capitavate, and it's been great to meet enthusiasts on the fell this year, including those visiting for the first time, and seeing how impressed they are by the riches that continue to be found here.
I am very pleased we managed to complete the Fly Orchid Survey this year, and am cautiously encouraged by the results.
And finding the Bee Orchid was an excellent, unexpected bonus for 2023.
There seems to be a rise in people visiting Hutton Roof for the atrorubens as part of their own quest to see all fifty-odd native orchid species, possibly taking inspiration from the books 'Orchid Summer' or 'The Orchid Hunter'. I'm very lucky in that I don't have to go far to see several of these species every year. Just here.
29/06/23
29/06/23
10/05/23
22/05/23
12/06/23
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