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Coombe Bissett Down
This chalk downland valley in Salisbury is worth a visit at any time of year for its sweeping views.
Morgan's Hill
Morgan's Hill in Calne is known for its orchids, butterflies and for the general quality of chalk grassland and wildflowers.
Early purple orchid
The Early purple orchid is one of the first orchids to pop up in spring. Look for its pinkish-purple flowers from April, when bluebells still carpet our woodland floors. Its leaves are dark green…
Bee orchid
The bee orchid is a sneaky mimic - the flower’s velvety lip looks like a female bee. Males fly in to try to mate with it and end up pollinating the flower. Sadly, the right bee species doesn’t…
Frog orchid
This unassuming orchid is easily overlooked. It is found patchily across the UK, but has been declining for decades.
Pyramidal orchid
The pyramidal orchid lives up to its name - look for a bright pinky-purple, densely packed pyramid of flowers atop a green stem. It likes chalk grassland, sand dunes, roadside verges and quarries…
Green-winged orchid
A short, but pretty plant of unimproved grasslands, the Green-winged orchid gets its name from the green veins in the 'hood' of its flowers. Look for it in May and June.
Southern marsh orchid
This is probably the most widespread and commonest of the marsh orchids.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bird's-nest orchid
The Bird's-nest orchid gets its name from its nest-like tangle of roots. Unlike other green plants, it doesn’t get its energy from sunlight. Instead, it grows as a parasite on tree roots, so…
Fly orchid
The fly-shaped flowers of this fascinating plant are attractive to insects - but not the ones you might expect!