Final Orchid count

It's been a record breaking year - 1022 orchids - and a further big increase after the recovery from the 2024 low point. In summary we had 945 orchids in 2023, only 312 in 2024, a climb back to 723 last year and now a further increase of 41% to reach 1022. Also very positive to have six species including the new species, the single Green-winged Orchid. Great to see two Southern Marsh Orchids as well as we have only ever had one before and that was in 2023. Also positive was the five Bee Orchids equalling the total for last year. Perhaps the only disappointments were the lack of a Twayblade this year and the continuing struggle for Broad-leaved Helleborines. They have fallen from a high of 42 in 2021 to just 9 this yerar albeit that is better than the 2024 total of 6. All in all an excellent year despite the deer and rabbits and great to overtop one thousand orchids for the first time. Photo is the Green-winged of course.