Dr Richard Bate
@thenewgalaxy.bsky.social
That guy who found a ghost #orchid
Botanist with particular interest in British & European #Orchids. Tour leader for Mariposa Nature and member of #Wildflowerhour team
Have placed #dental implants since 2009, favouring Southern site-specific systems
Botanist with particular interest in British & European #Orchids. Tour leader for Mariposa Nature and member of #Wildflowerhour team
Have placed #dental implants since 2009, favouring Southern site-specific systems
The Dark Red Helleborine is one of my favourite #orchid species and I'm leading a tour on Hutton Roof to find some for @mariposanature.bsky.social in July. Our tours support @bsbibotany.bsky.social and this tour supports @cumbriawildlife.bsky.social
Join us - www.mariposanature.com/tours/botani...
Join us - www.mariposanature.com/tours/botani...
February 10, 2026 at 7:32 PM
The Dark Red Helleborine is one of my favourite #orchid species and I'm leading a tour on Hutton Roof to find some for @mariposanature.bsky.social in July. Our tours support @bsbibotany.bsky.social and this tour supports @cumbriawildlife.bsky.social
Join us - www.mariposanature.com/tours/botani...
Join us - www.mariposanature.com/tours/botani...
Reposted by Dr Richard Bate
Tour update π¨
Next year's Orchids of Tenerife is already taking bookings, with 2 places booked. If this year's tour is anything to go by, it'll fill quickly. Join a dream team of @thenewgalaxy.bsky.social & Dave Fairhurst for a feast of orchids & other wildlife:
mariposanature.com/tours/botani...
Next year's Orchids of Tenerife is already taking bookings, with 2 places booked. If this year's tour is anything to go by, it'll fill quickly. Join a dream team of @thenewgalaxy.bsky.social & Dave Fairhurst for a feast of orchids & other wildlife:
mariposanature.com/tours/botani...
February 5, 2026 at 11:35 AM
Tour update π¨
Next year's Orchids of Tenerife is already taking bookings, with 2 places booked. If this year's tour is anything to go by, it'll fill quickly. Join a dream team of @thenewgalaxy.bsky.social & Dave Fairhurst for a feast of orchids & other wildlife:
mariposanature.com/tours/botani...
Next year's Orchids of Tenerife is already taking bookings, with 2 places booked. If this year's tour is anything to go by, it'll fill quickly. Join a dream team of @thenewgalaxy.bsky.social & Dave Fairhurst for a feast of orchids & other wildlife:
mariposanature.com/tours/botani...
Reposted by Dr Richard Bate
Bishopthorpe Parish Council want to sell a small wildlife oasis hosting rare wildflowers like Yellow Star-of-Bethlehem to a developer. This field belongs to the people of Bish who cherish its wildlife. Please sign this petition to stop them doing this. Thanks π c.org/syGKBRcGBY
February 4, 2026 at 6:21 PM
Bishopthorpe Parish Council want to sell a small wildlife oasis hosting rare wildflowers like Yellow Star-of-Bethlehem to a developer. This field belongs to the people of Bish who cherish its wildlife. Please sign this petition to stop them doing this. Thanks π c.org/syGKBRcGBY
Thankyou Jenny, he takes after his immensely handsome father π
February 4, 2026 at 6:29 PM
Thankyou Jenny, he takes after his immensely handsome father π
Thankyou Rebecca looking forward to catching up with you in the next few months over some plants! π«Άπ»
February 4, 2026 at 6:27 PM
Thankyou Rebecca looking forward to catching up with you in the next few months over some plants! π«Άπ»
Cheers pal, hope youβre good
February 3, 2026 at 10:21 PM
Cheers pal, hope youβre good
Iβll be in Cyprus at the end of the month, leading for Mariposa
February 3, 2026 at 10:20 PM
Iβll be in Cyprus at the end of the month, leading for Mariposa
Reposted by Dr Richard Bate
Plivice Lakes national park in Croatia in late-May this year
June 19, 2025 at 5:02 AM
Plivice Lakes national park in Croatia in late-May this year
Iβm delighted that the #orchid tour of #Tenerife went as planned. Well, nearly - I had to drop out at the last minute because my wife decided to have a baby, and not quite when we expected him to arrive either! Our guests had a great time, expertly led by @dunnjons.bsky.social and Dave Fairhurst
February 3, 2026 at 9:54 PM
Iβm delighted that the #orchid tour of #Tenerife went as planned. Well, nearly - I had to drop out at the last minute because my wife decided to have a baby, and not quite when we expected him to arrive either! Our guests had a great time, expertly led by @dunnjons.bsky.social and Dave Fairhurst
Reposted by Dr Richard Bate
Up in the clouds, hanging out with the rainbows that dropped hundreds of feet below us, our Orchids of Tenerife tour found a pot of gold today - Canary Orchid (Orchis canariensis). Sharp eyes from leader Dave Fairhurst, and superb tour preparation from @thenewgalaxy.bsky.social. Much joy!
February 2, 2026 at 6:10 PM
Up in the clouds, hanging out with the rainbows that dropped hundreds of feet below us, our Orchids of Tenerife tour found a pot of gold today - Canary Orchid (Orchis canariensis). Sharp eyes from leader Dave Fairhurst, and superb tour preparation from @thenewgalaxy.bsky.social. Much joy!
Reposted by Dr Richard Bate
A few shots of Tenerife Giant Orchid (Himantoglossum metlesicsianum), taken by @dunnjons.bsky.social on the first day of our Orchids of Tenerife tour - we're straight into the outstanding orchids thanks to the thorough pre-tour preparation undertaken by @thenewgalaxy.bsky.social.
January 31, 2026 at 6:09 PM
A few shots of Tenerife Giant Orchid (Himantoglossum metlesicsianum), taken by @dunnjons.bsky.social on the first day of our Orchids of Tenerife tour - we're straight into the outstanding orchids thanks to the thorough pre-tour preparation undertaken by @thenewgalaxy.bsky.social.
I can walk to these ones, about a mile from my house - itβs why I live here π
January 19, 2026 at 9:31 PM
I can walk to these ones, about a mile from my house - itβs why I live here π
There are also significant donations made to conservation from our tours and we have a strong commitment towards doing so, unlike other tour operators who simply donβt, or make vague claims about doing so. Itβs a pragmatic take, but one we have a clear conscience with.
January 19, 2026 at 9:19 PM
There are also significant donations made to conservation from our tours and we have a strong commitment towards doing so, unlike other tour operators who simply donβt, or make vague claims about doing so. Itβs a pragmatic take, but one we have a clear conscience with.
We do not arrange the travel to and from destinations, allowing guests to make a choice - and many make their way by other means than flying. However, even taking flights into account I think guests can have a clearer conscience with regard to their activity than most other reasons for travelling.
January 19, 2026 at 9:14 PM
We do not arrange the travel to and from destinations, allowing guests to make a choice - and many make their way by other means than flying. However, even taking flights into account I think guests can have a clearer conscience with regard to their activity than most other reasons for travelling.
It's a privilege to lead tours for @mariposanature.bsky.social and all of the #orchid tours I'm leading abroad for 2026 are fully booked π
If you want to join me in Tenerife, Cyprus, Crete or the Alps in 2027 then please drop us an enquiry - we are also taking bookings for #OrchidsOfRhodes in 2027
If you want to join me in Tenerife, Cyprus, Crete or the Alps in 2027 then please drop us an enquiry - we are also taking bookings for #OrchidsOfRhodes in 2027
January 19, 2026 at 7:33 PM
It's a privilege to lead tours for @mariposanature.bsky.social and all of the #orchid tours I'm leading abroad for 2026 are fully booked π
If you want to join me in Tenerife, Cyprus, Crete or the Alps in 2027 then please drop us an enquiry - we are also taking bookings for #OrchidsOfRhodes in 2027
If you want to join me in Tenerife, Cyprus, Crete or the Alps in 2027 then please drop us an enquiry - we are also taking bookings for #OrchidsOfRhodes in 2027
Reposted by Dr Richard Bate
Of course, this week's featured Tour of the Week, Butterflies of Tenerife, is about more than simply butterflies - while they're our main focus, we couldn't possibly close our eyes to the other highlights of the island - it's home to some superb birds and wildflowers.
@europebutterfly.bsky.social
@europebutterfly.bsky.social
January 6, 2026 at 2:01 PM
Of course, this week's featured Tour of the Week, Butterflies of Tenerife, is about more than simply butterflies - while they're our main focus, we couldn't possibly close our eyes to the other highlights of the island - it's home to some superb birds and wildflowers.
@europebutterfly.bsky.social
@europebutterfly.bsky.social
Reposted by Dr Richard Bate
As we close in on the turn of the year, here are my top three natural history moments of 2025. Starting today with Goodyera macrophylla, seen on Madeira with @thenewgalaxy.bsky.social. A hugely rare #orchid, sure, but the experience made all the better for being shared with a top friend.
December 29, 2025 at 10:29 AM
As we close in on the turn of the year, here are my top three natural history moments of 2025. Starting today with Goodyera macrophylla, seen on Madeira with @thenewgalaxy.bsky.social. A hugely rare #orchid, sure, but the experience made all the better for being shared with a top friend.
Come and join me up on Hutton Roof for some (dark) red hot orchid action with the Helleborines if you fancy it in July 2026!
Day 21 of our #AdventCalendar and it's another #orchid - Dark-red Helleborine, one of several orchidaceous stars of the show on our Helleborines of Hutton Roof daytrip led by the brilliant @thenewgalaxy.bsky.social each July.
mariposanature.com/tours/botani...
mariposanature.com/tours/botani...
December 25, 2025 at 3:46 PM
Come and join me up on Hutton Roof for some (dark) red hot orchid action with the Helleborines if you fancy it in July 2026!
Reposted by Dr Richard Bate
The Helleborines of Hutton Roof runs on 5 July 2026, and is led by Dr Richard Bate - yes, THAT Richard Bate (@thenewgalaxy.bsky.social) who found the Ghost Orchid in Britain the other year! π
www.mariposanature.com/tours/botani...
www.mariposanature.com/tours/botani...
The Helleborines of Hutton Roof
A day immersed in the incredible helleborines of the Hutton Roof limestone pavement, in the company of European orchid expert Dr Richard Bate
www.mariposanature.com
December 24, 2025 at 11:55 AM
The Helleborines of Hutton Roof runs on 5 July 2026, and is led by Dr Richard Bate - yes, THAT Richard Bate (@thenewgalaxy.bsky.social) who found the Ghost Orchid in Britain the other year! π
www.mariposanature.com/tours/botani...
www.mariposanature.com/tours/botani...
Reposted by Dr Richard Bate
In the last couple of years we've found Anacamptis x gennarii, the hybrid between Pink Butterfly & Green-winged Orchids, during the #OrchidsOfRhodes tour my good friend @thenewgalaxy.bsky.social and I lead for @mariposanature.bsky.social. A rare find, a great delight, shown here with parent species.
December 18, 2025 at 8:18 AM
In the last couple of years we've found Anacamptis x gennarii, the hybrid between Pink Butterfly & Green-winged Orchids, during the #OrchidsOfRhodes tour my good friend @thenewgalaxy.bsky.social and I lead for @mariposanature.bsky.social. A rare find, a great delight, shown here with parent species.
Reposted by Dr Richard Bate
I haven't done a #FollowFriday recommendation for ages, but now seems a good time to give a big shout out to my good mate and @mariposanature.bsky.social orchid colleague @thenewgalaxy.bsky.social - Richard's wildlife knowledge is superb, and he's the very best company to hang out with.
We're delighted today to announce the date for next year's Helleborines of Hutton roof daytrip - Sunday 5 July, led by the brilliant, erudite & friendly orchid-hunter @thenewgalaxy.bsky.social. This would make a lovely Christmas present: say it with flowers! (2/2)
mariposanature.com/tours/botani...
mariposanature.com/tours/botani...
December 12, 2025 at 1:14 PM
I haven't done a #FollowFriday recommendation for ages, but now seems a good time to give a big shout out to my good mate and @mariposanature.bsky.social orchid colleague @thenewgalaxy.bsky.social - Richard's wildlife knowledge is superb, and he's the very best company to hang out with.
Reposted by Dr Richard Bate
A timely reminder from the fabulous @trevorthebotanist.bsky.social: even common plants like Red Clover can be mind-blowingly gorgeous when you zoom in and take a really good look at them!
Who needs orchids when we have clovers?
Ok don't tell @thenewgalaxy.bsky.social we said that...
#WildFlowerHour
Who needs orchids when we have clovers?
Ok don't tell @thenewgalaxy.bsky.social we said that...
#WildFlowerHour
Red Clover in our meadow, oblivious to the foul December weather. Love getting really up-close-and-personal with this one, as the tiny flowers are almost orchid-like in their design #wildflowerhour
December 7, 2025 at 8:46 PM
A timely reminder from the fabulous @trevorthebotanist.bsky.social: even common plants like Red Clover can be mind-blowingly gorgeous when you zoom in and take a really good look at them!
Who needs orchids when we have clovers?
Ok don't tell @thenewgalaxy.bsky.social we said that...
#WildFlowerHour
Who needs orchids when we have clovers?
Ok don't tell @thenewgalaxy.bsky.social we said that...
#WildFlowerHour
Reposted by Dr Richard Bate
Looking at some old orchid photos from Rhodes in 2024 brought back warm memories.
I had to book AGAIN.
A look at the @mariposanature.bsky.social website showed it and just about ALL their 2026 trips were fully booked
So I have booked for 2027!
@dunnjons.bsky.social
@thenewgalaxy.bsky.social
I had to book AGAIN.
A look at the @mariposanature.bsky.social website showed it and just about ALL their 2026 trips were fully booked
So I have booked for 2027!
@dunnjons.bsky.social
@thenewgalaxy.bsky.social
December 2, 2025 at 10:08 AM
Looking at some old orchid photos from Rhodes in 2024 brought back warm memories.
I had to book AGAIN.
A look at the @mariposanature.bsky.social website showed it and just about ALL their 2026 trips were fully booked
So I have booked for 2027!
@dunnjons.bsky.social
@thenewgalaxy.bsky.social
I had to book AGAIN.
A look at the @mariposanature.bsky.social website showed it and just about ALL their 2026 trips were fully booked
So I have booked for 2027!
@dunnjons.bsky.social
@thenewgalaxy.bsky.social
Reposted by Dr Richard Bate
Oh @dunnjons.bsky.social & @thenewgalaxy.bsky.social - you two are incorrigible!
But we love you and it was such a treat to see your exhibit at #BIBConf25 yesterday & hear all about your programme of upcoming @mariposanature.bsky.social orchid tours.
Hope to see you again soon!
But we love you and it was such a treat to see your exhibit at #BIBConf25 yesterday & hear all about your programme of upcoming @mariposanature.bsky.social orchid tours.
Hope to see you again soon!
What's a pair of orchid-hunters to do the morning after the @bsbibotany.bsky.social conference in northwest England at the end of November? Go look for orchids, of course!
Fine journey to the station with my Mariposa colleague @thenewgalaxy.bsky.social - roadside Bee Orchids, full of promise.
Fine journey to the station with my Mariposa colleague @thenewgalaxy.bsky.social - roadside Bee Orchids, full of promise.
November 30, 2025 at 8:13 PM
Oh @dunnjons.bsky.social & @thenewgalaxy.bsky.social - you two are incorrigible!
But we love you and it was such a treat to see your exhibit at #BIBConf25 yesterday & hear all about your programme of upcoming @mariposanature.bsky.social orchid tours.
Hope to see you again soon!
But we love you and it was such a treat to see your exhibit at #BIBConf25 yesterday & hear all about your programme of upcoming @mariposanature.bsky.social orchid tours.
Hope to see you again soon!
100% but every platform has its positives and negatives
November 30, 2025 at 11:42 AM
100% but every platform has its positives and negatives