Island’s special orchids spring into full bloom
ONE of Guernsey’s natural wonders has burst into bloom in a series of west coast meadows.
Loose-flowered orchids are flowering at Les Vicheries nature reserve. Traditional land management methods have preserved the rare species, which are not seen in England but thrive in the low-lying wetland meadows of La Societe’s Bridget Ozanne Orchid Fields. It hosts the highest concentration of orchids in the Channel Islands.
‘They appear from late April, from about the fourth week, and have about a month left,’ said Jamie Hooper, La Societe conservation officer.
‘Loose flowered ones are often called Jersey orchids, but ironically Jersey have very few of them.
‘You don’t get them in the UK, so under normal circumstances we would have UK visitors to see the fields.’
Surrounding the loose-flowered variety are a variety of other important wildflower species.
Later in the season three other orchid varieties should bloom – the common spotted, heath spotted and southern marsh.
Land management has been key in preserving the rarities, said Mr Hooper, including ceasing the use of fertiliser and herbicides as well as ploughing.
‘Poppies need that turnover, but these most certainly do not.
‘It takes about seven years before an orchid seed turns into a flower.’
Visitors should stay on the perimeter path to avoid disturbing the flora, which Environment Guernsey maintains.
‘We haven’t specified no dogs, but obviously we wouldn’t want them running loose through the field.’
Several hybrid varieties can also be seen in the undisturbed fields.
April’s colder and dryer than average weather helped the internationally-important species by preventing noxious weeds from smothering them.
Since 1978, La Societe has purchased 13 fields alongside the lane, Rue des Vicheries, with two more on lease, to ensure the habitat is not lost.
Signs on the Rocquaine Bay coast road direct the public to the fields.
