Coralroot orchid and Walney Island geranium

Geranium sanguineum var. striatum (Walney Island geranium) found only on Walney island, to the west of Barrow-in-Furness, was spotted flowering this week on sand dunes by one of our botany volunteers. 

 

The coral root orchid (Corallorhiza trifida) is a parasite growing in association with a fungus.  It grows on the creeping willow at Sandscale Haws. It was found after arranging a visit with the warden, as it is endangered.  Last year no plants were seen at this location but this year over 70 plants were counted.