This amazing find has caused a local and even national sensation.
It is a rare enough plant anywhere, I have never known one to grow in Reading in the many years I’ve lived here. To find one growing on a road side verge on a main road in the suburbs of Reading is really remarkable. But that is not all that is remarkable about it.
I first heard about it on Twitter and part of the amazing thing about it was the story that went with it.
I’m not sure who found it but I do know who reported it to the council and posted about it online. The initial response was jaw dropping and not entirely in the Orchid’s favour.
It looked like the council was going to be unable to prevent its grass cutting staff from cutting it down, so the finder had arranged for it to be physically protected to make sure it is safe.
It looks like the council maybe coming around to the idea that it can be protected but we wait and see
I’ve been here before. Broad leaved Helleborines appeared in a verge once. Seven of them. Despite signs fencing memos and phone calls, the involvement of local residents and the best efforts of the council someone strimmed them every year. Eventually they died out
More recently I found some on a nature reserve and it was again a challenge to make sure they didn’t get cut.
I have great hopes for the Lizard Orchid. It is a remarkable find and I’m sure the council will find the resources to not cut the verge where it grows.
*the latest update is far more encouraging. Not only has the verge been identified by the council and protected but they have also identified that they need a rare wild plant policy!
Rural Reading 