purple petals of Lady Orchid (Orchis purpurea)
Credit:

Lady Orchid (Orchis purpurea)

2025 target

Number of records of this species.

Status

Kent has the main national populations, which occur across the breadth of the chalk in Kent, although more in the east. Most populations are small, and it is suspected that many are gradually declining.

Rationale

The Lady orchid is a highly sensitive indicator of well managed coppice woodland on chalk.