Early Marsh Orchid - Dactylorhiza incarnata<br /><br />Early records amalgamated all species of marsh orchid. The early marsh orchid seems to have been first recorded around 1840. It is widespread throughout Britain though East Anglia is a stronghold. Nowhere is it common. There are five identified sub-species (of which only two occur in Norfolk) as well as three named variations and several colour variants. The pure white var leucantha can occasionally be spotted in Norfolk.<br /><br />Conservation status<br /><br />It has disappeared from 43% of its historical range. There was a reduction of 14% in the number of 10km squares where it was found from 1970-1986 (Harrap 2005-2009). The reduction was largely due to loss of ancient meadows, particularly in wetter areas.<br />...<br /><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWtm5T6b6F8" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWtm5T6b6F8</a>