Dull with occasional drizzle.
I've been asked to include some panoramic views in order to set some context. 3 years ago, this was dense Spruce forestry. Now it has returned to its original heath environment. This is the view due east into Co. Tyrone.
One of the most dramatic changes over the past 3 years has been the explosion of Common Spotted Orchids - Dactylorhiza fuchsii. Here are a few of the variations:
This one's a bit of a shock...Helvella corium, but 4 times the usual size. This was fully 10 cm across! I've taken a sample for spore checks. Normal specimens were about 2m away (and in a new, third, location). So they continue to spread.
I always think that Ragged Robin - Lychnis flos-cuculi - is far too exotic to be a common plant. Later specimens will have even more elongated and split petals.
Water Forgetmenot - Myosotis scorpioides - has now swamped large areas of still water. Flower about 8 mm across.
Finally, two closely related plants. Yellow Rattle - Rhinanthus minor - and Red Rattle - Pedicularis palustris.
Red Rattle is another name for Marsh Lousewort, but I see only little similarity between this and Common Lousewort. The leaves are completely different in shape, size and colour.