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Orchid rescue by translocation
Many orchid species such as Green-winged Orchid Orchis morio have declined in abundance in the British Isles and across Europe over the last century due to intensification of farming and to over-picking. Orchids in the UK are generally protected where possible but occasionally there is a need to develop one of the remaining areas in which they are growing. In such circumstances it may be possible to translocate the orchids to another temporary or permanent site. Staff and students at the University are involved in monitoring the success of translocation at a sewage treatment site Bournemouth & West Hampshire Water Plc where a population of several thousand Green-winged Orchids had established on the turf roof of one of their water tanks. When the roof began to leek it became clear that the orchids would need to be temporarily removed to repair the roof. Orchids and the turf pieces in which they were growing were removed in 2003 and laid on surrounding grassland. The roof was repaired and the orchids were returned to the roof in 2005. We are monitoring the long-term success of this translocation.
For more details contact Dr Anita Diaz
