The presence of wild orchids is seen as an indicator of good biodiversity, and a healthy, undisturbed, eco-system. They often need special pollinators (bees, moths & birds), require specific fungi in the soil to germinate (some taking 7 years to bloom) and are very sensitive to habitat change.
So, will the orchids present in our villages survive the energy development projects that the government has planned?
Early Marsh Orchid – the Wadd, Benhall Green
As the name suggests, the Early Marsh Orchid is one of the first orchids to flower and is found in wet or very damp habitats, such as on the Wadd.
The flowers may be pink, red, purple or cream depending on the sub-species.
The flower is patterned with spots but the leaves are elongated, bright green and unspotted.
Orchids, like wild flowers in general, are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) from being removed from the wild.
This image taken on 23rd June 2005.
Image taken 2025
Above: Early Purple Orchid – Sternfield.
The Early Purple Orchid is a native perennial plant of the UK, typically found growing in woodland, chalk grassland and damp areas, to a mature height of up to 40cm.
This orchid is distinguished from other orchids by its flower colour, which is usually purple or magenta and the presence of glossy, spotted leaves
The Early Purple Orchid does not produce nectar but attracts pollinating insects (such as Bumble bees, wasps, butterflies and beetles) by its bright flowers, scent and by mimicking flowers that do produce nectar.
Image above shows the spotted leaves of the Early Purple Orchid.
Above: The Bee Orchid – the Beeches, Benhall Green
The Bee Orchid is a native perennial plant of the UK, typically found growing in chalky grassland, scrubland and waste ground, to a mature height of up to 40cm.
It is named after the appearance of its flowers, which mimic the shape of a female bee. This mimicry is intended to lure male bees to pollinate its flowers.
The Bee Orchid may be difficult to spot, as it takes up to 8 years to first flower and often only flowers sporadically.
These images were taken in 2025 in a garden at the Beeches, Benhall Green where the orchid just appeared and was growing in a sandy, undisturbed, bed of mixed flowers & herbs.
Please remember that orchids, like wild flowers in general, are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) from being removed from the wild.
