Ian knows where the broad leaved helleborines (Epipactis helleborine) grow in our woods and has sent us pictures. In the reserve, our helleborines grow in deep shade, which makes them hard to find and difficult to photograph.

The species is named for its broad, basal leaves, clearly marked with veins that run from petiole to leaf tip. It has smaller, narrower leaves, as well, that spiral their way up its stem. At the top of the stem is a single spike of between ten and fifty droopy flowers that come in a variety of colours. Our are very pale and greenish with a pink tinged interior.

The species is widespread but never common. Climate change is driving many of our native orchids to expand their ranges and, of late, like bee orchids, broad leaved helleborines have been identified growing on wasteland and roadside verges.