The Early Spider Orchids are back with a vengeance at Samphire Hoe. Given that they are so very rare even on chalk downland, this is excellent news. No count is in yet, I believe, but the numbers may well exceed last years. I advise that if you want to see them, go to Samphire Hoe in the next couple of weeks. You'll see them along both sides of the edges of the back path running adjacent to the Folkestone railway line.
Here's a couple of pics I took last Saturday to help identify them. Also attached is the first of this year's Common Lizards - I don't think I've seen them as early as this before. Look for them basking on the wooden fences by the tea hut.
