In July this year we’ve seen a brand new plant appear on the heath.
The aptly named lizard orchid is an uncommon but native plant, more commonly found in the Mediterranean than Hertfordshire! It thrives in well drained alkaline soil like that on Therfield Heath, and we think due to the very dry spring and hot summer so far, it has flowered for the first time.
Tucked away in the edge of the Rifle Butts, it was easy to walk past, despite the two flowering stems standing at 40-50cm tall and being tightly packed with green and pinkish flowers. Its bulbous upper petals, divided sepals and extremely long twisted lower petal gives the resemblance of a small lizard’s head, legs and tail.
Adding another layer of oddness to this orchid is its smell. When the flowers are gently stroked, it gives off a strong smell of goats or sweaty socks!
Despite living for up to 20 years, the lizard orchid may only flower once in its lifetime, so our eager eyes will be looking out next June to see if the plant reflowers. Did you spot it this year? Have you ever seen a common lizard on the heath? They’re most active and quite elusive on hot sunny days but you may see one basking on top of an anthill or wooden fence post on a sunny morning.
You may have also noticed that there are improvements happening to the small car park on Therfield Road. We have already added two tonnes of limestone to level out the largest potholes. Through July and August, we will be adding new barriers, new dedicated accessible parking spaces and welcome signs. For the first time, we will be installing bike racks in this car park to give visitors a secure place to lock their bike while they explore the heath on foot. This is part of a long-term plan that the Conservators of Therfield Heath are investing in to improve facilities for the people who love and enjoy the heath.
To get involved with volunteer work parties on Therfield Heath, please email: volunteer@therfieldheath.org.uk
If you want to help us maintain and improve Therfield Heath, please join one of our volunteer groups by contacting Ellie Nadin, the Ranger at ranger@therfieldheath.org.uk.
