Other names include : Wasp Orchid.

A valuable pollinator for our declining yet essential bee population. This orchid emits a scent similar to that of the female bee and the velvety lip of the flower has markings which mimic the shape of a bee. Fooled into thinking it has found a mate, the bee collects pollen before leaving to try its luck with other bee orchid flowers!

Other names include : Marsh Orchid, Moorland Spotted Orchid.

Deceptive to bees whom they attract as pollinators, the flowers of this orchid actually provide no nectar in return. The name maculata refers to the spotted leaves of the orchid.

Other names include : Wild Arum, Wake Robin, Adder’s Root, Jack in the Pulp Friar’s Cowl, Soldiers Diddies, Priest’s Pintle, Cows and Bulls, Snake’s Head, Cheese and Toast, Adam and Eve.

Lords and Ladies have male and female plants. The male flower has tiny hairs which trap insects attracted by the scent of the blossoms. The insects are then coated with pollen before escaping to pollinate the female flowers. Producing very toxic berries in the Autumn, as the many local names suggest, this is a plant which should not be handled by humans and kept away from animals and pets.

Other names include : Cuckoo Flower, Mayflower, Bitter Cresses, Milkmaids, Lady’s Glove, Lucy, Pigeon’s Eye, Shoes and Stockings, Milk Girl, Lamb Lakins.

An important food source for caterpillars, particularly of the Orange Tip (see butterfly section) and the green-veined white butterfly. Lady’s Smock has delicate pink flowers with purple veins which appear from April to June.

Considered in some folklore to be sacred to fairies, it is considered unlucky for lady’s smock to be picked and brought indoors.

Other names include : Kingcup, Molly-blob, Cowslip, May-blob.

The bright yellow flowers of the marsh marigold are an attractive pollinator for many insects and flies in particular, who in turn provide food for many bird species including warblers, wrens and thrushes. It is also a favourite for grazing cows.

Other names include : Bear’s Garlic, Wild Garlic, Wood Garlic, Buckrams, Wild Cowleek, Gypsy Onion.

A valuable winter food source for many of our native and endangered bird species who feed directly from the seed heads. Undisturbed moist woodlands are the crucial habitat for Ransoms. When allowed to thrive they give off a heavy garlic scent when flowering between April and June.