Dr Judy Webb has generously surveyed the Triangle for orchids. She found large populations and six different
varieties.
Key findings from the report:
- Common Spotted Orchids and Pyramidal orchids are present in their hundreds
- Six species of orchid were recorded: Common Spotted Orchid, Pyramidal Orchid, Early Marsh Orchid, Southern Marsh Orchid, Bee Orchid, Twayblade Orchid
- The wetness of the site favours the Early Marsh and Southern Marsh Orchids specifically
- Several spectacular large (c. 55cm high) hybrid orchids were also recorded: (Common Spotted x Southern Marsh)
- Dr Webb notes that there are SSSIs with far fewer species and numbers of orchids present
- The characteristics of the site and the coppice willow management favour orchids
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Dr Webb states:
- “In my opinion, the presence of so many orchids, with all the other species found, this site is definitely of Local Wildlife Site standard[i].”
- “If the proposed stadium was to be built the southern area concentration of orchids will go under the stadium SUDS attenuation ponds and car park. The south west corner of the site is the orchid ‘hotspot’. In my opinion there is no way that all of these orchids could ever be found and moved. Even if they were, moving the orchids that like the wet southern ride is unlikely to succeed because they will not like the drier northern end of the site.”
We are very grateful to Dr Webb for her report and have submitted it to Cherwell District Council for consideration by
planning.
[i] The Berks Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust describes Local Wildlife Sites (LWS) as “areas of land
recognised for having high wildlife value containing rare or threatened habitats and species.”
