Patrick Marks kindly sent us these excellent photos of an unusual orchid which has been growing in the Lade Braes for several years. The Broad-leaved Helleborine (Epipactis Helleborine) is rarely found in Fife but is common further west and in England. Patrick says that this example is the first record of this plant in St Andrews! It normally flowers in late July but may not flower every year.
The wild flowers in Boase Wood near Law Mill are looking really nice just now. I took a couple of photos so that you can see the masses of bluebells as well as wild garlic and comfrey.
Red squirrel © Peter Trimming at Wikipedia
The Scottish Wildlife Trust is conducting a survey of red squirrel sightings to monitor the decline of this native species due to encroachment by the American grey squirrel. Some grey squirrels can look quite brown in places but red squirrels are easily identified by their long ear tufts. If you see a red squirrel, please report it to the SWT here.