The Native Orchid Species of Wales and Where to see them - Sue Parker, First Nature
There are around 28 species of wild orchids that occur in Wales and, if you are here at the right time (June is ideal) it is possible to see many of them in relatively small areas. Most of the species that occur here are of the chalk-loving varieties and so a good place to start is at one of the sand dune nature reserves that can be found around the coast of Wales. For example, in South Wales there are sand-dune systems at the National Nature Reserves at Kenfig and Oxwich and in North Wales at Ynyslas, Morfa Dyffryn and Morfa Harlech and also at Newborough Warren in Anglesey. Each of these sites is home to at least five, sometimes ten, native orchid species as well as a host of other beautiful wildflowers. At many of the Nature Reserves in Wales the staff organise accompanied walks so that visitors can get the most out of their time spent in them.
Bee Orchid (Ophrys apifera)
Below is a list of the more common orchid species, including two very special ones namely the Fen Orchid (Liparis loeselii) and the Bog Orchid (Hammarbya paludosa) to be found in Wales, and suggested sites for seeing them. Kenfig National Nature Reserve has by far the largest numbers of the Fen Orchid which is increasingly threatened in the UK, and the wardens at the reserve monitor its appearance each year. In the case of the diminutive Bog Orchid the Wardens at Elan Valley Estate organise a walk to search for the plant at the end of July each year and members of the public are welcome to participate.
Common Spotted-orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii)
Even though some wild orchids occur in considerable numbers in Wales, please remember that all orchids are threatened and in decline due to loss of habitat. A particular species may appear to be common in one location but this does not necessarily mean that they are as numerous elsewhere. It is illegal to pick the flowers or dig up the plants to take home. Orchids are dependent for their survival on specific fungi which occur in the soil where they grow and will almost invariably die when transplanted into gardens.
Pyramidal Orchid (Anacamptis pyramidalis)
For more details...
A Guide to the Nature Reserves of Wales...
English Name |
Latin Name |
Site Examples |
| Autumn Lady's Tresses |
Spiranthes spiralis |
Kenfig National Nature Reserve |
| Bee Orchid |
Ophrys apifera |
Coastal dune slacks, roadside verges and Kenfig National Nature Reserve |
| Bog Orchid |
Hammarbya paludosa |
Elan Valley Estate |
| Broad-leaved Helleborine |
Epipactis helleborine |
Kenfig and Newborough Warren National Nature Reserves |
| Common Spotted-orchid |
Dactylorhiza fuschii |
Common throughout Wales and in many coastal nature reserves |
| Common Twayblade |
Neottia ovata |
Common throughout Wales and in many coastal nature reserves |
| Dark-red Helleborine |
Epipactis atrorubens |
The Great Orme |
| Dune Helleborine |
Epipactis dunensis |
Newborough Forst, Anglesey |
| Early Marsh-orchid |
Dactylorhiza incarnata |
Coastal nature reserves |
| Early Purple-orchid |
Orchis mascula |
Common on roadside verges throughout Wales and also in coastal nature reserves |
| Fen Orchid |
Liparis loeselii |
Kenfig National Nature Reserve |
| Fragrant Orchid |
Gymnadenia conopsea |
Kenfig National Nature Reserve |
| Frog Orchid |
Dactylorhiza viridis |
Occasionally found at Minera Quarry near Wrexham |
| Greater Butterfly Orchid |
Platanthera chlorantha |
Cae Blaen Dyffryn Nature Reserve near Lampeter |
| Green-flowered Helleborine |
Epipactis phyllanthes |
Kenfig and Newborough National Nature Reserves |
| Green-winged Orchid |
Anacamptis morio |
Kenfig National Nature Reserve |
| Heath Spotted-orchid |
Dactylorhiza maculata |
Common throughout the uplands and wetlands nature reserves throughout Wales |
| Lesser Butterfly Orchid |
Platanthera bifolia |
Cae Blaen Dyffryn Nature Reserve near Lampeter |
| Marsh Helleborine |
Epipactis palustris |
Kenfig and Newborough National Nature Reserves |
| Northern Marsh-orchid |
Dactylorhiza purpurella |
Newborough Warren National Nature Reserve |
| Pyramidal Orchid |
Anacamptis pyramidalis |
Coastal nature reserves |
| Southern Marsh-orchid |
Dactylorhiza praetermissa |
Southern coastal nature reserves |
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