Where to see orchids

Find out which of our nature reserves are best for native orchids.

Orchids are the superstars of the wildflower world. With 57 species in the UK, there's many orchids to be discovered.

This year, Essex Wildlife Trust is exhibiting the county's orchids at RHS Chelsea Flower Show, as part of an international collaboration with key orchid conservation partners. The public can see pyramidal, green-winged, common spotted and man orchids on display, promoting the conservation work that the Trust is doing to manage these special flowers.

But, you don't need to go to a display in London to see wild orchids. Visit our nature reserves to see these delicate and unique flowers growing in their natural habitats.

Chelsea Flower Show

Bee Orchid, Ophrys apifera, close up of flower, raindrops, June, Norfolk - Dawn Monrose

Common Spotted Orchid, Burkmar

Man Orchid, Bruce Shortland

Marbled White on Pyramidal Orchid ©Guy Edwardes/2020VISION

Bird's Nest Orchid, Philip Precey

Southern Marsh Orchid 2020 Vision Terry Whittaker

Terry Whittaker / 2020 Vision

Find orchids near you

You can see orchids throughout the UK, flowering between April and September, hitting peak flowering season from May. Tempting as it may be, don’t pick the flowers. Orchids look their best out in the wild, and some species are legally protected so you could be breaking the law. Here are some of our favourite reserves for orchid sightings.

Langdon Nature Discovery Park

Langdon Nature Discovery Park is 461 acres and home to one of our Coronation meadows, where you can see thousands of orchids including common spotted, southern marsh and green-winged orchids.

Phyllis Currie Nature Reserve

At our Phyllis Currie Nature Reserve the grassland and glades bloom with colour in the spring and summer, with numerous orchid species popping up throughout.

Thameside Nature Discovery Park

Thameside is home to our recipient Coronation Meadow, this 10-year-old wildflower meadow boasts bee and pyramidal orchid.

Horndon Meadow Nature Reserve

Our Horndon Meadow Nature Reserve is home to more than 80 species of wildflower, including hundreds of green-winged orchids.

Chafford Gorges Nature Discovery Park

Our Chafford Gorges Nature Discovery Park is home to numerous orchid species and counts this year show record numbers of man and pyramidal orchids.

A wildflower meadow with orchids and other flowers — Coronation Meadow at Langdon Nature Discovery Park

Record your wildflower sightings

If you've seen any wildflower in Essex, we want to know. This data can help us paint a better picture of climate change in the county. So, whether you've found a native orchid or a more common bloom, snap a photo and contribute to the University of Essex's research.

The Essex Bioblitz