The quarry holds one of the largest British populations of the dark red helleborine, " Epipactis atrorubens "; a survey in 2010 found nearly 1700 flowering spikes of this nationally rare species.
12.
However, " Epipactis helleborine " grows in more diverse habitats, from sheltered sandy beaches to open spaces in deciduous or coniferous forests, on roadsides, in meadows, and on moist soils.
13.
The narrow-lipped helleborine ( " Epipactis leptochila " ), more common on the chalk downs of southern England, is found in this and other the metalliferous shingle sites in the county.
14.
On some hidden parts of the reserve orchids like the dark red helleborine ( " Epipactis atrorubens " ) the fly orchid ( " Ophrys insectifera " ) and many others grow year by year.
15.
On the steep grassy slopes above the Green-flowered Helleborine " ( Epipactis phyllanthes ) " is found on the western side of the gorge, in a wooded area next to the towpath below Leigh Woods.
16.
The bramble is still recognised as a local species, but the orchid is no longer accepted as valid, and is probably just a form of the Broad-leaved Helleborine ( " Epipactis helleborine " ).
17.
The nationally scarce dark-red helleborine, " Epipactis atrorubens ", is found at the site, as is basil thyme, " Clinopodium acinos ", a southern species that is uncommon this far north.
18.
The Marsh helleborine ( " Epipactis palustris " ) is the only European orchid able to survive in a flooded habitat . " Epipactis gigantea " is a species found in the American west, and into southern Canada, in wet areas and even streams.
19.
The Marsh helleborine ( " Epipactis palustris " ) is the only European orchid able to survive in a flooded habitat . " Epipactis gigantea " is a species found in the American west, and into southern Canada, in wet areas and even streams.
20.
Aspen ( Populus tremula ) is the most notable species present, however the presence of Broad-leafed Helleborine ( Epipactis helleborine ) indicates a woodland containg many mature deciduous trees of some habitat value, together with wet flushes containing yellow flag iris, soft rush, lesser spearwort and golden saxifrage.
