The Burnt Orchid (Neotinea ustulata) is a Nationally Scarce species and very rare in Derbyshire. The Flora of Derbyshire states that it is now only found in just 5 1km squares in the White Peak. I was lucky enough to see this plant for the very first time on Saturday 3rd June. A very distinctive and beautiful orchid and there were at least 15-20 spikes in a small area of limestone grassland. Most of the spikes were rather small, so I guess this was due to the very dry spring and a number of the flower spikes were beginning to turn brown at the tips. Unfortunately, as is often the case these days with rare flora, some crazy people seem to want to destroy or dig up orchids, I cannot understand their mentality.
Burnt Orchid – Derbyshire – June 2017 – Tony Davison©
