Every one loves bees these days and pretty much everyone loves bee orchids (Ophrys apifera) too!
The University of Reading campus is no exception and there is a small population flourishing in purposefully unmown grass opposite the Hopkins Building and outside the RSSL Building.
You can’t miss it but step tread carefully lest you trample a spike or two, as has already happened where eager plant hunters have stepped on the long grass (and a hidden bee orchid) in their eagerness to get a closer look at these fine and very beautiful wild flowers.
The Bee orchids are at their best in second half of June so please admire them, it may take your eyes a while to adjust and find these rather delicate plants amongst the grasses and other flowers but its worth the effort but please keep to the mown edges and do not tread anywhere on the long grass!
