A rare wild orchid once on the brink of extinction has been brought back to life through years of tireless conservation efforts across Britain.
The Fen Orchid (Liparis loeselii), a delicate species dependent on specific mosses and fungi, is now officially no longer considered under threat in the country, according to the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland’s vascular plant red list.
Since 2008, Cambridge University Botanic Garden has collaborated with Plantlife and the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew to reintroduce and increase populations of the orchid, focusing on restoring its unique fenland habitat.
Tim Pankhurst, former conservation manager at Plantlife, expressed pride in the achievement, saying, “Playing a leading role in reducing the threat status of such a beautiful yet merciful orchid is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a botanist and one I will always treasure.”
The Fen Orchid typically grows among reeds nestled in moist moss, relying on water-retaining habitats that have been increasingly lost to drainage and abandonment of the fens.
In 2010, the plant was found only at three sites in East Anglia and one in Wales. Today, it thrives at seven locations in England and three in Wales, with a total population exceeding 10,000 individual plants—a dramatic recovery for a species once facing extinction.
Pankhurst, who dedicated his career to saving the orchid before retiring in April, credited the achievement to long-term collaboration. “As we face the enormous challenges of climate and biodiversity loss, this provides a moment of genuine hope for the future,” he said. “You don’t achieve successes like this on your own.”
According to Cambridge University Botanic Garden, this is the first time the Fen Orchid has ever been successfully cultivated in Great Britain, marking a breakthrough in native plant restoration science.
Peter Stroh, scientific officer at the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland, called the revision of the orchid’s status “excellent news,” but warned that continued vigilance is necessary.
“It’s important to remember that the Fen Orchid remains a conservation-dependent species,” Stroh explained. “The challenge now is to ensure it continues to thrive in its current locations and, either naturally or with assistance, flourishes in former and new sites within its native range.”
The orchid’s recovery story stands as a testament to the power of persistence, partnership, and scientific innovation in reversing biodiversity loss.
As Britain continues to face ecological pressures, the Fen Orchid’s revival serves as a symbol of hope and resilience, reminding conservationists and communities alike of what can be achieved through shared dedication and long-term commitment.
