Home / Environment / Orchid Patch Devastated by Forestry Work
Orchid Patch Devastated by Forestry Work
10 Dec
Summary
- Orchids destroyed during track improvement work for logging.
- Forestry England claims surveys found no protected species concerns.
- Local residents express anger over avoidable destruction of habitat.
Routine track resurfacing work by Forestry England in Hamsterley Forest, County Durham, has allegedly led to the destruction of a significant orchid patch. The work, conducted in November to prepare a track for logging operations, involved creating ditches and resurfacing the route to Mayland Bank.
Local residents and dog walkers expressed dismay, with one stating the plants were "chopped down to the clay" and lamenting the lack of consideration for the orchid habitat, which also supports insect populations. Forestry England maintained that on-site surveys identified no concerns regarding protected orchid species, while acknowledging the general presence of orchids within the forest.
The organization stressed the importance of maintaining forest roads for emergency services. Meanwhile, the Botanical Society of Britain expressed sadness over the loss of wildflower habitat, noting that while common spotted orchids can colonize new areas, northern marsh orchids have specific habitat needs and have faced losses due to destruction.
