Sandwich Bird Tours

Orchids in Kent ... Tours

The main flowering period for Orchids in Kent is from mid May to the end of June although species flower before and some after these dates. Any tours are run to coincide with the maximum number of species in flower. In excess of ten species can be expected at this time of year.

There are no set dates as such but tours can be organised by arrangement but are subject to availability bearing in mind this is also a busy period for our foreign bird tours.

Please e-mail: john@sandwichbirdtours.co.uk with a phone number so a pick-up point and time can be arranged. Transport for up to 3 people can be provided, after which other arrangements will be made.

As each tour is likely to be unique in its requirements, details of rates, lunch arrangements and timings will be discussed by phone at the time of inquiry.

Don't forget your camera!

Kent Orchid Photos:

A new series of Orchid photos can be found on my Flickr site which can be acccessed by clicking on the Tiger photo on the front page of this site.

Anne from Carisle wrote:

'In the middle of June my sister-in-law and I had a wonderful day out with John looking for orchids.  We found 17 different ones as well as two broomrapes.
Anne from Carlisle.'

Steve and Ann wrote:

Thanks again for a great Orchid Day. We both enjoyed ourselves enormously.  A great intro to your area and to orchid hunting.  Im off to some local reserves today!!

John wrote:
Now back at home and downloaded my Orchid Images. I should like to express my very considerable appreciation for the fantastic day you put on last thursday, what a magnificent foray into the fields to explore the Orchids of Kent. A total of 14 I belive, shame that the Lizard Orchid did'nt perform to your expectations but given the weather we've experienced this year I was delighted to see so many species in one day.  Many many thanks for your excellent hospitality and expertise in providing such a splendid day

Peter and Jane commented:

Thanks John for the orchid tour last Saturday. Jane and I had a very enjoyable day.

John's tour enabled us to see many hundreds of orchids at five excellent sites in Kent, all in one day.  His friendly and flexible approach ensured that we saw all the species we had hoped to find, including several rareties - with many ideal photograph opportunities

Henry from East Sussex wrote:

 “A mesmerising day that will guarantee lifelong memories. John’s an exceptional pilot - quietly and methodically leading you to some of the most wonderful flower species in our kingdom. We managed to count 15 varieties of orchid and helleborine in a day, the vast majority in flower. Kent is unreasonably lucky in the diversity and profusion of its orchid species, so if you want to revel in their beauty, it’s to Kent you must come and to John you must turn for a guide.”

Best, Henry 5th June 2011

Joy wrote:

KENT ORCHIDS UPDATE  MAY 31 2011

The unusually warm and dry spring in East Kent has played havoc with the flowering periods of our orchids. Most have flowered early, some by as much as three weeks. Some have finished early. Lady Orchid started flowering in early May and are now finished at a time when one would expect plants in prime condition. However other species are looking great despite being early.

A tour round my usual sites on May 31st produced the following: Birds Nest (going over), White Helleborine (some good specimens and lots of them), Monkey (still in good condition), Fragrant (small and large ones in good condition, very early), Spotted Orchid ( mostly very small), Twayblade (many over), Greater Butterfly (about 8 in good condition), Fly (some spectacular specimens up to 18 inches tall, all fresh) Lady (all over), Broad-leaved Helleborine (some well advanced and healthy looking plants) Southern Marsh Orchid (in pristine condition, a little early), Pyramidal (some just showing flowers) Lizard Orchid (many and perhaps a little smaller than normal but in good condition and already flowering, very early) and most amazingly Marsh Helleborine (with a couple already in bud. Extremely early)

I understand that Man Orchid is looking good too but beginning to go over too.

Most Clove-scented Broomrapes have burnt off but Common Broomrape showing well.

John