200 rare wild orchids to be relocated RSPB Saltholme

Conservationists, ecologists and volunteers will join forces on Friday (July 31) to rescue around 200 Northern Marsh and Pyramidal Orchids from Greenabella Marsh and replant them at RSPB Saltholme and Seaton Common National Nature Reserve.

The delicate operation will see every orchid lifted by hand before being transported and replanted on the same day using specialist techniques designed to maximise their chances of survival.

Greenabella Marsh where the orchids will be translocated from. (Image: RSPB)

The flowers are being moved ahead of the Environment Agency’s proposed Greatham North East Flood Alleviation Scheme.

While there is no legal requirement to move the orchids, several organisations have partnered to safeguard the plants and preserve their local diversity.

Pyramidal orchid Anacamptis pyramidalis, individual plant growing in meadow, Bedfordshire, June (Image: Ben Andrew)

The project brings together the Environment Agency, RSPB Saltholme, Hartlepool Borough Council, Tees Rivers Trust, Cleveland Naturalists’ Field Club, Natural England and orchid specialists British Orchids, alongside around 20 volunteers.

As part of the translocation, seeds will also be collected and sown at the new sites to help establish future populations.

The orchids’ new homes were chosen because they already support suitable habitats and existing orchid populations, giving the plants the best possible chance of thriving.

Panoramic views from the award-winning visitors centre. (Image: RSPB)

However, the success of the operation will not be known immediately. Because the orchids are currently dormant underground, conservationists will have to wait until next spring and summer to see whether fresh leaves and flowers emerge.

Chris Francis, senior manager at RSPB Saltholme, said: “Wild orchids are among Britain’s most beautiful native plants and we’re incredibly proud that Saltholme has been chosen to give many of them a new home.

“Every single orchid will be carefully moved by hand in what is a remarkably delicate conservation operation.”

Chris Francis. (Image: Claire Freeburn)

Suzanne Noble, orchid specialist at British Orchids, said Britain’s native orchids were “every bit as fascinating, beautiful and special” as their tropical relatives.

She added: “Wild orchids have evolved over thousands of years alongside fungi, insects and the habitats they depend upon, making them important indicators of healthy ecosystems.

“By following a careful process we hope these plants will establish successfully in their new homes and continue to delight people while supporting biodiversity long into the future.”

Northern Marsh Orchid. (Image: Josh Havlin)

The flood alleviation scheme, which remains subject to planning permission, is part of the wider £30 million Tees Tidelands Programme.

The project aims to reduce flood risk, create around 15 hectares of new intertidal habitat and help wildlife adapt to future environmental change.

Construction is due to begin in January 2027.