Cormac destroys only occurrence of the rarest wildflower in Cornwall

Cormac destroys only occurrence of the rarest wildflower in Cornwall

The bee orchid does not occur anywhere else in the county

Wildflower Bee Orchid Flora Macro Ophrys Apifera (Image: MaxPixel)

Cornwall Council has apologised after cutting down an extremely rare orchid.

Council contractors Cormac destroyed the only example of the flower in Cornwall .

The so-called bee orchids are unique orchids that can take years to flower. They are usually found on chalk and limestone in Wiltshire, Hampshire and Suffolk and are the county flower of Bedfordshire.

The flower, that mimics the appearance of a bee, can be seen flowering in June and July.

A wildlife enthusiast said that the rare bee orchids appeared in one particular spot in Cornwall, Hayle Causeway, around twenty-five years ago and have flowered and seeded themselves in that spot ever since.

This year they were not given that same chance as the location on Hayle Causeway had been cut down by Cormac.

The bee orchids can not be found anywhere else in Cornwall and concerns have been raised over Cornwall Council's intentions to protect biodiversity.

A spokesperson for Cornwall Council said: "The verges at Hayle Causeway (Griggs Hill) include several species of orchid, including the rare bee orchid."

Cornwall Council said that Cormac did visit the site to identify orchid rich areas prior to grass cutting this year, which was planned to go ahead in March, but they said access difficulties meant that the cutting was unable to be carried out.

"We are deeply sorry for what has happened at this site and would like to assure residents that we will work to restore biodiversity and hope to see these orchids grow back from tubers that are still in the area," said a spokesperson for Cornwall Council.

The council have said that from 2020 onwards, Cormac will only make a single autumn meadow cut to help increase orchid numbers.

via https://www.cornwalllive.com/news/cornwall-news/cormac-destroys-only-occ...