Orchid Habitat Improvement

Common Spotted Orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii) 

To date we have identified 5 Orchid species on the Spetchells, including the rarer Pyramidal Orchid (Anacamptis pyramidalis).  Also found are the  Common Spotted Orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii) and Northern Marsh Orchid (Dactylorhiza purpurella).  Unfortunately many orchids hybridise, making identification more difficult.  

Pyramidal Orchid (Anacamptis pyramidalis)

 Northern Marsh Orchid (Dactylorhiza purpurella)

Recently we identified two examples of hybrid orchids common to Northern England (Dactylorhiza venusta) the hybrid of Northern Marsh and Common Spotted. They are very variable and show features of one parent or the other.  For examples of hybrids please go to Gallery Flora.

We aim to improve the habitat for orchids wherever they occur, initially by keeping out self-seeded trees and shrubs.  In other areas, where we are controlling invasives and coarser grasses, we hope orchids will choose to spread naturally.

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