Smitten by scarce species

In the shadow of the Ochils lies a wildflower meadow – and in that meadow are rare orchids which cast quite a spell on Keith

A meadow, but no ordinary one, for within its unfolding carpet of floral beauty there was one very special wildflower, so understated in its allure that once glimpsed, you will forever be smitten.

It was a greater butterfly-orchid, a wildflower I had seldom seen before, but this colourful meadow lying in the shadow of the Ochils brimmed with these natural wonders, perhaps

200 or more. I had been invited here by the meadow’s owner, and her enthusiasm for these orchids, along with the many other wildflowers growing here, was most compelling.

Understandably, she is keen to keep the location under wraps because greater butterfly-orchids are a scarce species in Scotland and their protection is important. Along with her husband, she has owned the meadow for the last 20 years or so. Originally there were only a handful of these orchids present, but they have increased in number and spread with each year, almost certainly because the meadow is carefully managed for grazing.

Greater butterfly-orchids exhibit an intricate arrangement of loosely clustered whitish-green flowers that are held aloft on towering spikes. Despite their striking appearance when seen close-up, these orchids are not immediately obvious to the eye from a distance, merging with the grasses and other wildflowers in the meadow.

As well as the greater butterflyorchids, there were numerous commonspotted orchids with their stunning lilac flowers, along with yellow-petalled tormentil, meadow vetchling, white clover, eyebright, buttercups, and a vast array of different grasses. This meadow abounded with bees, butterflies, and other insects, attracted by the bountiful nectar held within its embrace. Sadly, wildflower meadows are rapidly vanishing.

They were once a common part of the farmed landscape, originally created to produce winter food for livestock. However, in the more modern era many have been converted to arable land, reseeded or lost to road and urban development. Only 2-3% of the meadows that existed in the UK in the 1930s remain, representing one of our biggest natural calamities. More conservation priority plant species are associated with meadows and grasslands than with any other habitat type.

But there is so much that can be done to reverse the decline – all it takes is a little imagination and impetus. For example, every roadside verge has the potential to be the equivalent of a meadow, provided that local councils manage their grass-cutting in a sympathetic manner to suit the flora.

As we walked across this Ochils meadow, the urge to stop and examine each wildflower was irresistible – there were so many, and if one were to sit on the ground and gaze for a while, the number of different insects discovered would be similarly diverse. Wildflower meadows are truly special. Thankfully, this one is under the stewardship of a woman who recognises their immense importance in the overall natural scheme of things.

As well as supporting a wide range of wildflowers and pollinating insects, meadows help mitigate flooding by holding on to rainwater and also capture large amounts of carbon.

A rare species in Scotland, greater butterfly-orchids feature an intricate arrangement of loosely clustered whitish-green flowers held aloft on towering spikes.