VOLUNTEERS surveyed wild-flower meadows near Tregaron at the weekend and counted 2771 flowering heads of heath spotted orchid, 40 per cent more than last year and the highest number recorded over the past four years. The meadows are part of a nature reserve that is also home to the Orchid Meadows glamping site. A yurt, glampavan and cottage are available for holidays and short breaks.
The orchids, which range in colour from almost white to pink to deep purple, have been identified as Dactylorhiza maculata subspecies ericetorum. They cope weel with heavy, damp acid soils in West Wales but populations take a long time to establish and can be reduced or lost altogether by modern farming methods. The meadows at this 25-acre small-holding have, over the past few years, been under nature-friendly management.
As well as heath spotted orchid, lesser butterfly orchid and broad-leaved helleborine were also recorded on-site. Lesser butterfly orchids were also up on last year (15 compared with just eight in 2025) and helleborines almost tripled from 47 last year to 136 this year.
The meadows are managed traditionally with no chemicals and are cut for hay in late August after most wild plants have flowered and set seed. The bales are used at a nearby horse training centre for feed and bedding.
Site owner Stephen Hounsham said: “Orchids are the most striking and captivating of all wild-flowers.
“Last year the very dry spring seemed to take its toll on the orchids here but we are thrilled to see that they have not only bounced back this year but actually set new records.”
Orchid Meadows offers nature-focused stays in Tawny Little House, Red Kite Yurt and Goldfinch Glampavan. Guests are attracted from across Wales and beyond and, in addition to the meadows, can also wander through new woodland and explore wetland. There are pondside hammocks, a Green Man willow village, a birdhide and optional bushcraft courses.
ikiikiPeople are also welcome to become involved at Orchid Meadows and volunteer placements are available, both day and residential. Visit the Orchid Meadows website for more information.
