Annual Orchid Count

Group/Individual: BADCOG
Location: Blofied and District

BADCOG became involved in the conservation management of Howes Meadow, Blofield in 1984. Prior to this date, the meadow had been grazed by livestock and BADCOG’s aims were to conserve and enhance this flora-rich wet meadow.

BADCOG has undertaken a range of management activities to raise and maintain a constant water level within the dyke, to raise the water table within the meadow and to implement a planned mowing regime.

The meadow is now a species-rich wet meadow with a wide range of wetland flora, including: cuckooflower, meadow-buttercup, ragged-robin, yellow flag and orchids, both southern and common spotted. The annual orchid count is a good indicator of how successful their management has been (see the graph below). The count takes place in the third week of June and normally consists of eight to ten members, who slowly walk the meadow, holding a rope which is knotted at regular intervals. The rope acts as a guide and helps to maintain a straight line and even gap between counters. Individuals count all the orchids directly in front of them and to their left or right up to the next person in the line.