Hey everyone! I'm reaching out to see if anyone has knowledge about the legal protection of wildflowers, specifically bee orchids. I have a grassy area in my private garden, and I've been told by a neighbor that there might be bee orchids growing there. She mentioned they're protected by law, which means I can't cut my grass. Is this really true, even if they're on my own property? I've reached out to my local and county council for clarity but haven't heard back yet. Thanks for any insights!
3 Answers
If you've got bee orchids in your garden, that's awesome! You should try to keep the area where they grow intact, but you can mow around them without any worries. Just remember, bee orchids typically come and go, so there's no guarantee they'll stick around. Enjoy them while you can! Also, it's important to know that only uprooting them is illegal, so as long as you don't dig them up, you'll be fine.
Yes, bee orchids are a protected species regarding uprooting. So, if it's me, I'd mow around them to be safe but wouldn't leave the entire lawn unmowed unless there’s a lot of them. It’s too important not to cut off the actual flowers. Definitely reach out to a local wildlife trust for expert advice!
From my understanding, the Wildlife and Countryside Act does protect orchids when it comes to uprooting. But if they're on your property, you can generally do what you like. Sure, it can feel like a shame to mow them down since they’re lovely, but technically it shouldn’t cause legal issues.