The Ashfields area of Southern Washlands is good for orchids. This is not the easiest place to get to - it can be accessed from Eastmoor, Stanley Ferry or Heath. Probably the best way is from the road in between Heath and Kirkthorpe. There is car parking at Heath.

If you leave Heath, towards Kirkthorpe, there is a major path on the left just before you reach the place-name sign for Kirkthorpe. This path drops downhill and takes you to an information board and map. Common Spotted orchids (photo 1), Southern Marsh orchids (photo 2) and hybrids between the two can be found. I have also seen what I think to be Northern Marsh Orchid (photo 3), which is a rich purple colour.

I am not an expert on orchids, but the Common Spotted orchids have spots on the leaves, and the flowers are more of a pink colour. Southern Marsh orchids are more of a purple colour, with plain leaves. If the leaves are faintly spotted the orchid is likely to be a hybrid.

A leaflet "Southern Washlands Nature Corridor" has been produced by Wakefield council. It features 4 walks, and can be downloaded here. Search "Southern Washlands".

Southern Marsh orchids can also be seen in the marshes at the Stanley Ferry Flash section of Southern Washlands. The orchids in the marshes grow considerably taller, and flower later in the year.

I also saw 2 Southern Marsh orchids in 2011 in the new Ferryboat Fields part of the reserve. I'm sure this will increase in the next few years.

This can be accessed from the long Tarmac cycle path that starts at the end of Pugneys Road in Portobello, and passes inbetween Sandal Castle and Pugneys lake. You will need to look for a well hidden path through a few trees (see second photo), near to a bridge with railings over the stream. This leads to a wild flower meadow, which is spectacular in mid summer.

There is also access via the path which is immediately opposite the end of Durkar Low Lane on Asdale Road (see third photo). It is probably worth looking at a map prior to visiting.

Species and distribution are similar to that of Southern Washlands. The meadow can be profuse with Meadow Buttercups, Timothy and many other grasses, particularly in June.

I have seen the odd Northern Marsh Orchid orchid at Walton, but orchids are not as prevalent as at the two areas specified above. This site is better for other flowers such as Cowslip, Vipers Bugloss, Musk Mallow, Wild Carrot, Foxglove and Lady's Bedstraw. Coltsfoot can also be seen in the park, which could be the first wild flower that you see in the season.