Contributed by Richard Beal.
When we first moved here in 2000 there were only one or two orchids in our meadow. We have followed a strict mowing regime designed to restore the natural state. It is cut twice a year and all the cuttings are removed, to lower the nutrient levels. As a result the number of orchids has steadily increased. We get Common Spotted, Pyramidal and Common Twayblade, and once a Bee orchid.
This year there have been more than ever, with hundreds of Pyramidals including two white ones. This photo shows an area with lots of Pyramidals:
Here are two Pyramidals, one white, one normal.