A wildlife charity has spoken of its concern about the number of wildflowers which are being dug up and removed from its reserves on the Northumberland Coast.
Northumberland Wildlife Trust says that orchids in particular are being targeted by members of the public at its Hauxley and East Chevington reserves, who are digging the flowers up and taking them home. The charity suspects that this is due to the high price of orchids in garden centres.
Despite the thefts, the wildlife trust is bringing a rare orchid back to Druridge Bay following an absence of 50 years. The green-winged orchid (Anacamptis morio) is being planted at reserves on the Northumberland Coast, however, due to said thefts, its exact whereabouts is not being revealed.
