A ‘Near Threatened’ orchid has been discovered in Oranmore, County Galway, for the first time in 80 years.
A joint environmental initiative by Galway County Council and Conservation Volunteers Galway to attract pollinating insects to Rinville Park this week led to the discovery of between 20 and 30 Autumn Lady’s Tresses Orchids, which are classed as ‘Near Threatened’ in the Red Data List of Vascular Plants 2016.
The last recorded discovery of the orchid in Oranmore came in the 1940s, according to the Botanical Society of Britain & Ireland.
In previous years, the new “Don’t Mow, Let it Grow” section of Rinville Park was cut short frequently resulting in the growth and blooming of wildflowers being suppressed. However, some seeds and plants can persist undetected for many years and re-emerge when mowing is stopped.
This orchid species starts to bloom in August and has a spiral arrangement of small white flowers which can grow to 20 centimetres.
Rosina Joyce, Biodiversity Officer for Galway County Council said, “The no-mow area at Rinville Park has been a huge success in terms of conservation and biodiversity. In biodiversity terms, this is a significant discovery and success story in this part of County Galway. As we celebrate National Heritage Week, this find underscores the importance of preserving our natural heritage and the positive impact of sustainable practices on our environment.”
She continued, “The success of the no-mow project will provide a great opportunity for members of the public and local schools in the Oranmore area to see many of our wild native flowers in a public park and will hopefully inspire others to action as part of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan. We are asking the public to not enter the marked no-mow area located near the carparking area at the seashore.”
Ray Fallon is a member of Conservation Volunteers Galway, which was founded in 2010 to protect and enhance natural heritage through volunteer participation in practical conservation projects.
He commented, “The Lady’s Tresses Orchid is just one of six wild orchid species in the no-mow areas at Rinville Park, the others being Early Purple, Common Spotted, Marsh, Bee and Pyramidal Orchids. In addition, there are over thirty other wildflower plant species growing there. It is a great joy to see so much biodiversity and an honour for our voluntary organisation to maintain the area on behalf of Galway County Council.”
Visit www.biodiversityireland.ie for more on the Autumn Lady’s Tresses Orchid and visit www.pollinators.ie for more information on the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan.
