Orkney's Sundews

I spent a very damp Thursday on Hoy. The BBC had predicted a fine day with plenty of sun but I'm afraid to say the Beeb were way off the mark - not often Auntie gets this inexact science so wrong. The trip to Hoy had a purpose: monitoring the various sedges that are found in Alkaline Fen. Alkaline fen is a very special habitat that we find in Orkney, although it's not everywhere. Typically it is found in heath so its large-scale distribution in Orkney is limited to Westray, Rousay, the Mainland and Hoy. There will no doubt be pockets elsewhere and maybe folk can let me know. 'The Orkney Book of Wildflowers' deals in broader habitats - so some of the plants that we find in Alkaline Fen will be found in the book in 'The Hill' section. One of the really typical plants that indicates Alkaline Fen is Black Bog Rush.

Black Bog Rush

Black Bog Rush and Alkaline Fen

Two of my favourite species are the Common (or Round-leaved) Sundew and the Great Sundew. These insectivorous plants are fascinating creations that obtain most of their nutrients from tiny insects that become trapped in 'Sundew glue'. The two Sundews are quite different - the Great Sundew holds its oval leaves up while the Common Sundew holds its round leaves flat in a circle. In addition, while both are found 'in the Hill' they tend to occur in different parts of the hill. You've guessed it - the Great Sundew tends to occur in Alkaline Fen areas and the Common Sundew is more likely to be found in the peaty areas amongst Sphagna.

Great Sundew

Great Sundew

Great Sundew

Great Sundew

Common Sundew

Common Sundew