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After decades of brilliant conservation work, the rare and eye-catching Fen Orchid is officially no longer considered threatened in Great Britain.
One of Britain’s most endangered orchids has been brought back from the brink of extinction. The rare Fen Orchid is making a comeback and is no longer considered threatened, according to the new GB Red List.
This great achievement is a result of decades of painstaking conservation work. Overtime, we’ve learnt more about the plant’s ecology, how to safeguard existing plants and then how to boost its numbers.
Tim Pankhurst, former conservation manager at Plantlife has dedicated his life’s work to protecting Fen Orchids. For captions watch on YouTube.
There are now over 10,000 individual plants in Britain, with 7 locations in England and 3 in Wales. Fen Orchid was previously classed as Endangered, but thanks to conservation work it is now classed as ‘Near Threatened’ according to the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland (BSBI)’s new GB Red List.
The historic downgrading in threat status of Fen Orchid is thought to mark one of only a handful of plants that have been inched off the GB Red List due to conservation action since the system was introduced in 1977.
Fen Orchids Liparis loeselii aren’t just striking, they’re also very rare – only flowering fleetingly in a precious few fens and sand dunes.
Interestingly, this wildflower is different to many others because it doesn’t usually grow in soil. Instead, Fen Orchids grow on clumps of moss or on sedge tussocks in wet areas called fens. They are dependent on the unique, open conditions of the fenland, a naturally marshy area.
It can also be a tricky wildflower to spot as it is small and inconspicuous. Its leaves wrap around the bottom of the single stem, which supports several yellowish-green flowers towards the top of the plant.
Learn more about the Fen Orchid.
The main reason that Fen Orchid numbers have declined is habitat loss – the abandonment and drainage of the fens. Orchid enthusiasts collecting plants have also played a part.
By 2010, there were just three locations in East Anglia and one dune site in Kenfig, Wales where Fen Orchids were reported growing. There were no more than 1,000 plants in total.
There were fears this plant would entirely disappear from the UK, especially as it is such a sensitive species that requires particular conditions.
Tim Pankhurst, former conservation manager at Plantlife said: “Playing a leading role in reducing the threat status of such a beautiful yet mercurial orchid is a once in a lifetime opportunity for a botanist and one I will always treasure. As we face the enormous challenges of climate and biodiversity loss, this provides a moment of genuine hope for the future and is testament to what dedicated partnership conservation work delivered consistently over many decades can deliver.”
Since 2008, we’ve led efforts to rescue this plant through a multi-pronged conservation strategy, alongside partners. This wouldn’t have been possible without the decades of work by the Wildlife Trusts caring for the remaining plants and restoring former sites so they could be suitable for Fen Orchids. This work made the reintroductions of Fen Orchids possible.
Image credit: Cambridge University Botanic Garden
Peter Atkinson, Plants Records Officer at Cambridge University Botanic Garden, said: “At Cambridge University Botanic Garden, we’ve been investigating the life cycle of the Fen Orchid and successfully maintaining an ex-situ collection of plants for over a decade. Over this time, our field observations have deepened our understanding of the species, directly informing improved management of existing sites and helping wild populations increase from a few hundred to several thousand.
“We’re now seeing strong, sustainable populations re-establishing in the wild – a clear sign that this kind of long-term, collaborative conservation really does work.”
The threat status of Fen Orchid has reduced, but that doesn’t mean work is complete. This achievement can only be held by continuing conservation work, including sites continuing to be managed properly and future translocations of the plant.
Funders and partners involved in the English Fen Orchid Conservation Strategy include Norfolk Wildlife Trust, Suffolk Wildlife Trust, RSPB, Natural England, Butterfly Conservation, Broads Authority, Norfolk County Council, Cambridge University Botanic Garden, Royal Botanic Gardens and Kew. Natural Resources Wales and Bridgend Council have spearheaded work in Wales.
Chris Jones, the Warden of Kenfig National Nature Reserve, recently found the very rare fungus, during a routine survey.
The effort Greena Moor Nature Reserve management team put in place to save the Three-lobed Water Crowfoot.
Alistair Whyte, Head of Plantlife Scotland shares his thoughts on Scotland's Plant Relict, Purple Oxytropis
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