The Bog Orchid Re-discovered in Carmarthenshire - Sue Parker, First Nature

During the summer of 2008, the Bog Orchid was re-discovered at Cwmtwrch in Carmarthenshire, where 34 plants were counted.

Bog Orchid

Bog Orchid, photographed at Elan Valley Estate

The Bog Orchid (Hammarbya paludosa) has seen dramatic decline in the UK in recent years as a result of damage to its habitat by the drainage of upland bogs. Until 2008 the only known population in Wales was in the upper-plateau bog of the Elan Valley Estate, where attempts are made to monitor its appearance each year; this usually results in the finding of very small numbers of plants - fewer than ten most years. Because the Bog Orchid is so tiny (up to 12 cm in height) and also its green colour, it is extremely difficult to find, thus making accurate recording extremely problematic. This little orchid may occur in greater numbers in its few remaining sites than we know about, due to the problem of locating it.

The Bog Orchid is named after the house, Hammarby, near Uppsala in Sweden, that was home to the famous Swedish botanist, Linnaeus; he found the Bog Orchid growing in land adjacent to his home. Its preferred habitat is the acidic waters of bogs on which mats of sphagnum moss float. Beware of a ducking if you go hunting for the Bog Orchid!

In the Elan Valley Estate the plant is usually found in seasonal runnels or flushes of water close to Pont ar Elan. If you don't want to venture out alone, the staff on the estate organise a 'Bog Orchid Hunt' at the end of July most years.