Powys Flora Conservation is asking the public to take part in an orchid survey to help find and map 10 species of orchids in Wales.
The latest Welsh Vascular Plant Red Data List by Dr. Trevor Dines, Plantlife has shown that many orchids can only be found at a few sites in Wales.
Dr. Elisabeth Harris from Powys Flora Conservation said “The last record of Musk Orchid in Wales was in 1968. Other species such as the Fly Orchid are classified as vulnerable and have only been recorded from 2 sites”.
The decline of orchids in Wales is largely down to the loss of suitable habitat and collection by collectors.
Elisabeth said “There was a population of Bog Orchids at the Elan Valley in Radnorshire sadly they were dug up, presumably by collectors. This is a tragic loss and means that an endangered orchid can no longer be seen in the wild at this site”.
Orchids
These are the 10 orchids that they want to find and map.
Least concern
Bee Orchid – Ophrys apifera
Bird’s-nest Orchid – Neottia nidus-avis
Early-purple Orchid – Orchis mascula
Vulnerable
Fly Orchid – Ophrys insectifera
Green-flowered Helleborine – Epipactis phyllanthes
Endangered
Bog Orchid – Hammarbya paludosa
Frog Orchid – Coeloglossum viride
Critically endangered
Fen Orchid – Liparis loeselii
Small White Orchid – Pseudorchis albida
Presumed Extinct
Musk Orchid – Herminium monorchis
Dr. Harris said “If we know where these orchids are we can protect them and save them for future generations to enjoy”.
Those wishing to take part in the survey are being asked to record the orchids by taking photographs and e-mailing them to Dr. Elisabeth Harris at plantsinpowys@yahoo.co.uk
Elisabeth is also happy to identify any other wild orchids found growing in Wales, again please enclose a photo.
The results of the survey will be put onto the Gateway in due course. Why not investigate the current distribution of the orchids on the Gateway now?