Several orchid species have started to appear around the village. The largest population seems to be the 25 or more bee orchids on the flat ground at the entrance to Ketton Quarry SSSI. This orchid has also appeared in the Football Copse alongside the newly mown path through the copse, as well as under the beech trees at the start of Ketco Avenue.
Several pyramidal orchids have also appeared in Football Copse as well as in meadow area of the cemetery on Empingham Road.
Lastly a Common Spotted Orchid has also appeared in the Football Copse. So do visit the Football Copse between Pit Lane and the football pitch to spot three common but iconic orchid species.
In previous years a fourth orchid species - the Common Twayblade has been seen, sometimes in abundance in Ketton Quarry SSSI.
A beginner’s vegetative guide to orchids of the British Isles, published by the Natural History Museum is downloadable from here.
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