Nature lover Councillor Rupert Bevan writes:

I must confess to being an admirer of orchids. Not so much the bright blousy moth type, nor the waxy Cymbidiums that inhabit the front rooms of so many homes. No, my interest is in the native species which mark the seasons with an unassuming grace and a furtiveness that makes many of them difficult to find.

Radstock possesses an abundance of them. Both common and rare species are to be found within three miles of the town and many can be accessed along the old rail paths. In the spring the early purple orchid rises triumphantly as if to point out that spring colour is not confined to flowering bulbs.

By contrast the common twayblade has bold leaves but only small greenish flowers to boast. Along next the spotted heath orchid, pink flowered and often appearing in large numbers like army troops. Likewise the pyramidal orchid, clothed in petals of vibrant hue.

Last August I saw my first broad-leafed helleborine. Just one spike rising out of a tussock of plantain-like leaves but as beautiful as a bluebell, hanging demurely in an ancient wood. A week or two later and the maintenance crew had mown the path verges. And the helleborine, I was certain; It had disappeared. Last week I chanced upon it again. Although browned and shrivelled the spike of flowers still evoked former majesty. It was unmistakably the plant I had admired the previous August.

What glories await next year?

Rupert Bevan