3b71c027_lds____Gardens___Cotswold_Life__5
[0] Early Purple Orchid [1] April to late June. [2] The Earley Purle Orchid ranges in height from 10-60 cm, with a basal cluster of four to eight shiny, oblong, blunt-tipped leaves. There are 20-50 pinkish-purple flowers in a loose spike. The sepals spread upwards, almost touching above the loose hood formed by the upper sepal and blunter petals. The spur is stout, blunt and upturned. White-flowered plants are not infrequent. [3] Widespread throughout the British Isles, especially in the southern half of England. Populations have been lost in central England and in Scotland, where it is far less common in the northeast. In Ireland it is more frequent in t [4] Grows in a wide variety of habitats on neutral or calcareous soils, flourishing in particular in broadleaved woodland and coppices. It also grows on calcareous grassland, limestone pavement, road verges and beside damp flushes on coastal cliffs. Buff-tailed Bumblebees frequently visit the flowers. [6] Farmers and landowners are helping to protect and recreate limestone grassland by entering agri-environmental schemes with Natural England. The schemes make payments for land to be sensitively managed for conservation value. [5] 
The Early Purple Orchid has suffered decline sue to the loss of limestone grassland in the Cotswolds since the 1940's. It can still be seen on many important areas of common land where traditional grazing with cattle continues, such as Minchinhampton and Rodborough commons. Many of the commons are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest for their floristic richness.
Springtime Flowers in the Cotswolds. - Gardens - Cotswold Life
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