A RARE orchid has been found growing in a Worcester meadow for the first time in more than seven years, despite the wet spring.
The Green Winged Orchid was found growing in Hornhill Meadows by rangers at Worcester Woods Country Park.
The green-winged orchid is one of the most threatened plants and depends on infertile or nutrient poor grasslands.
Numbers have steadily declined over the last 60 years due to agricultural improvements with fertilisers.
Rangers are hoping that the introduction of two longhorned cattle to the site has helped increase the floristic diversity of Hornhill Meadow.
Tanya Feasey, Worcestershire County Council’s assistant countryside sites officer, said: “It’s great to see that the introduction of cattle are creating a more diverse flora in Hornhill Meadows and helping achieve our vision of encouraging rare plants to grow.”
For details on the countryside visit worcestershire.gov.uk/countryside
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