This is a rare occasional orchid here in the acid soils of Cheshire only growing in a few places where basic clay outcrops have been exposed by the river valleys. In the Limestone areas it is present in thousands. If you go in early to mid May the slopes of these limestone valleys are covered in Orchis mascula (Early-purple Orchid), Primula veris (Cowslip) and Anemone nemorosa (Wood anemone). It is one of the most spectacular wild flower sights in the UK.
Cressbrookdale 13th May 2004
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Added on November 18th 2004