Rare lizard orchid that experts thought was extinct flowers for the first time in 100 years after being found next to Kent rail line

• Amateur botanist David Steere spotted lizard orchids near railway lines in Kent
• It’s the first time they’ve been spotted flowering in the region in 100 years
• A single flower was found in Kent in 2019 but it died shortly after being spotted
• Now, David has found six of the flowers between Chatham and Bromley 

A rare orchid believed to be extinct has been spotted flowering again for the first time in 100 years.

Amateur botanist David Steere discovered the flowering lizard orchids alongside a stretch of high-speed railway in Kent.

The plants were last seen in bloom in the region a century ago in the Dartford area, leading many to fear they had been wiped out.

A single lizard orchard was spotted in Kent in 2019, but hopes for a revival were dashed when it died shortly after.

Amateur botanist David Steere discovered the flowering lizard orchids (pictured) alongside a stretch of high-speed railway in Kent

Now six plants have been found flowering next to the HS1 railway line between Chatham and Bromley by the nature enthusiast.

He said: ‘I know my wildflowers well and have been recording vascular plants all over Kent for a number of years.

‘After coming across a flowering lizard orchid spike in 2019, which sadly wilted and died off, I was amazed at the discovery of six lizard orchids in July.

‘The HS1 line has made some amazing habitats for chalk grassland plants possible, and I look forward to working with HS1 and Network Rail on supporting and maintaining these precious flowers.’

The lizard orchid takes its name from its grey and green flowers and ragged side lobes, which gives it the appearance of the legs and tails of a lizard.

It was first spotted in Kent in 1641, but its population has since plummeted and it is now regarded as near extinct.

Under the 1981 Wildlife and Countryside Act, the plant is designated a near threatened species in the UK and is protected nationally.

Kent’s abundant chalk grasslands make the county the ideal place for the flower to bloom and it is often found growing on railway embankments and dunes.

Now six plants have been found flowering next to the HS1 railway line between Chatham and Bromley by the nature enthusiast (stock image)

The railway line beside where they were found was previously used by Eurostar but is now managed by Network Rail and Southeastern.

It sits within an area where HS1 wants to increase biodiversity by 20 per cent.

Several other rare plants were found growing on the stretch where the lizard orchids were discovered, including white mullein, field mouse-eat, common rockrose and wild strawberry.

The plants will now be cordoned off to protect them and maintained to give them the best chance of thriving.

The lizard orchid takes its name from its grey and green flowers and ragged side lobes, which gives it the appearance of the legs and tails of a lizard (stock image)

Dyan Crowther, chief executive of HS1 Ltd, said: ‘The discovery of six lizard orchids in an area not historically known for them is fantastic, and a sign of positive biodiversity growth along the HS1 line.

‘We have laid out a number of commitments in our Sustainability Strategy, including taking strides to become fully carbon neutral within a decade and reducing the carbon footprint of every passenger by 25 per cent.

‘As part of this, we’ll also be assessing and maintaining the quality of our lineside habitats – which means keeping a close eye on the orchids to help them establish themselves in this environment.’

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