Either orchids or fertilizer

The grassland habitats have been shaped by traditional forms of cultivation. In times of  industrial agriculture, traditional hay making and regular grazing of low-yield grassland, as well as small-scale arable farming, are disappearing.  The existence of these diverse habitats with their distinctive species are severely threatened largely due to mineral fertilisation.

bug orchid

Anacamptis coriophora

bog orchid

Anacamptis palustris

common spotted orchid, Fuchs’ marsh orchid

Dactylorhiza fuchsii

early marsh orchid

Dactylorhiza incarnata

Cungs' early marsh orchid

Dactylorhiza incarnata ssp. cungsii

heath spotted orchid

Dactylorhiza maculata

broad-leaved marsh orchid

Dactylorhiza majalis

southern marsh orchid

Dactylorhiza praetermissa

elder-flowered orchid

Dactylorhiza sambucina

frog orchid

Dactylorhiza viridis

marsh helleborine

Epipactis palustris