Town unlikely to see rare orchids after grass verges mown down

THE chairman of Warrington Nature Conservation Forum has expressed regret that the town is unlikely to see any rare orchids this year – because the grasses they thrive in have been mown down.

Geoff Settle has been trying for several years to protect the orchids after receiving complaints from residents when he was a Poulton North borough councillor.
Last year, he received a promise from Warrington Borough Council that grass verges where the rare Bee orchids and Northern Marsh orchids grow would not be mown after the matter was highlighted by Warrington Worldwide
But this year, the verges have again been mown.
Mr Settle said: “Over ten years ago, when the council stopped mowing grass to save money the grass grew high for several months. People started to contact me about the wonderful colony of beautiful Bee orchids that had emerged for the first time alongside the Birchwood cycle path and in Stockton Heat. However once mowing started up again during the years that followed none reappeared, except in a small woodland at Stockton Heath and a handful of purple Northern orchids in Birchwood.”
He provided maps to the council and requested that these sites remain uncut – and was assured they would be.
But the sites have again been cut – and Mr Settle has received an apology from the council. Apparently, verbal instructions not to cut the orchid sites were overlooked.
He believes it is now unlikely they will bloom this season.
The council is now considering installing some sort of physical barrier to prevent mowing and has asked Mr Settle to meet them to discuss the problem.
He said: “Fingers crossed for next year.
“There are two places where Northern Marsh orchids thrive – Houghton Green Pool and near Cinnamon Brow Business Park. The beautiful Bee-orchids however are less robust and moody. They prefer to remain undisturbed and mild temperatures and low to moderate humidity. ”
Warrington Borough Council has been approached for comment.