Man orchid by Brian Eversham
During our Totternhoe monitoring this year, our monitoring and research team found 645 man orchid plants, over half of which were flowering. This is the highest number of plans that’s been recorded on site. As this orchid is only found in one small area in Bedfordshire within our three counties it’s really encouraging to know our management of the reserve is helping this species thrive.
Credit:Â Gwen Hitchcock
Credit:Â Gwen Hitchcock
We found 2,602 flower spikes when we carried out our annual common spotted orchid count around Grafham Water. This is the highest annual count by nearly 300!
Credit: Matt Hamilton
Credit: Matt Hamilton
Credit: Gregory Belcher
Credit: Matt Hamilton
The green-winged orchids had their best year ever this year at Bentley meadow, part of Upwood Meadows.
Credit: Matt Hamilton 2
Credit: Matt Hamilton
Credit: Helen McLean
Credit: Matt Hamilton
Credit: Matt Hamilton
This is a southern marsh orchid found at Brampton Wood this year.
A little over 15 years ago conifers planted on the site were removed and open conditions restored in the area called the Great Glade. Since then, species-rich grassland has begun to develop and a number of orchids have appeared including the common spotted, bee, green-winged and southern marsh orchids.
This shows the effect of well-managed woodland. Well done to the team and volunteer wardens who manage the wood!
