Discover Essex’s orchids
How we're restoring native orchids across the county.
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Where to see orchids
Find out which of our nature reserves are best for native orchids.
My orchids
Local lawn care expert and former head greenkeeper, Ian Stephens, loves grass and his work creating healthy, vibrant lawns at homes across Notts and Lincs. But Ian has long seen ‘beyond the green…
Local group events
Local group events
Events at Warley Place
Experience the Spring Bulb Spectacular at Warley Place, where daffodils, crocuses, snowdrops, and bluebells burst into bloom.
60th Anniversary Events
To celebrate the Trust 60th Anniversary we organising a selection of one special events.
Record numbers of Orchids recorded at Essex reserve
This summer has seen a surge in the number of Orchids growing at Essex Wildlife Trust’s Chafford Gorges Nature Park. Numbers continue to grow year on year, with over a thousand more Orchids…
Early purple orchid
The Early purple orchid is one of the first orchids to pop up in spring. Look for its pinkish-purple flowers from April, when bluebells still carpet our woodland floors. Its leaves are dark green…
Wild orchids showcased at Chelsea Flower Show
Essex Wildlife Trust highlights importance of conservation for UK’s orchid population at Chelsea Flower Show.
Southern marsh orchid
This is probably the most widespread and commonest of the marsh orchids.
Lizard orchid
The petals of the rare Lizard orchid's flowers form the head, legs and long tail of a lizard. They are greenish, with light pink spots and stripes, and smell strongly of goats! Spot this tall…
Bee orchid
The bee orchid is a sneaky mimic - the flower’s velvety lip looks like a female bee. Males fly in to try to mate with it and end up pollinating the flower. Sadly, the right bee species doesn’t…