Current status
The fen orchid was formerly known from over 30 localities in the UK, but may now occur only in two sites in the Norfolk Broads and two dune systems in South Wales. The morphology of the plants differs between the South Wales and East Anglian populations, and some authorities have given them varietal or sub-species status. Plants on the South Wales dune slack are sometimes regarded as variety ovata, a segregate otherwise known only from Brittany. The East Anglian variety loeselii is rather more widespread in Europe. In Wales, the plants rely on the early successional phases of dune slack development.
This species listed on Annexes II(b) and IV(b) of the EC Habitats Directive and is protected under Schedule 4 of the Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc.) Regulations 1994 and Schedule 8 of the WCA 1981.
Current factors causing loss or decline
Drainage of peatlands in East Anglia, and water abstraction from aquifers (which may be more significant now than drainage for agriculture).
Natural processes of succession in dune slacks on the South Wales sites and Broadland fen sites.
Work undertaken to stabilise sand dunes.
Current action
The four sites where fen orchid occur are all within nature reserves, which are SSSIs. Fen orchid is currently in NEs Species Recovery Programme.
The Welsh populations occur on two NNRs and recovery work began during 1994. A Liparis Working Group has been established and is co-ordinated by CCW. A major management scheme supported by CCW is being implemented for the conservation of this species in its South Wales sites.
The Broadland fen management strategy, in which fen orchid management will be incorporated, will be completed by March 1996.
Action plan objectives and targets
Maintain existing populations.
Where biologically feasible, re-establish at 4 sites where it has recently become extinct.
Proposed actions with lead agencies
Policy and legislation
Encourage uptake of incentives in agri-environment programmes for wetland restoration adjacent to extant populations, particularly where these could contribute to the restoration of water quality and quantity. (ACTION: MAFF, WOAD)
Site safeguard and management
Provide suitable management for this species at all sites where it occurs. (ACTION: CCW, NE)
Consider restoration management to encourage regeneration from seed banks or seedlings at four former sites. (ACTION: CCW, NE)
Species management and protection
Continue to implement the recovery strategies for the existing populations. (ACTION: CCW, NE)
Consider translocation of material to these sites if restoration management is unsuccessful. (ACTION: CCW, NE)
Identify method of introduction of propogated stock for 2000.
Advisory
No new action proposed.
Future Research and Monitoring
Research further seed-bank viability and dormancy, and habitat requirements to help conserve the species in situ. (ACTION: CCW, NE, JNCC)
Investigate the feasibility of translocation to dune systems within forests, including the potential of rotational tree felling to provide appropriate successional stages. (ACTION: CCW, NE, FA, JNCC)
Encourage research on the ecology and conservation of this species on an international level and use the information and expertise gained towards it conservation both in the UK and at a European level. (ACTION: CCW, NE, JNCC)
Pass information gathered during survey and monitoring of this species to JNCC or BRC so that it can be incorporated in national databases. (ACTION: CCW, NE)
Provide information annually to the World Conservation Monitoring Centre on the UK status of the species to contribute to maintenance of an up-to-date global Red Data List. (ACTION: JNCC)
Monitor extant populations anually.
Communications and Publicity
As it is possible that the management required for recovery in South Wales may cause some concern with other users of the sites, including the public, information boards should be provided and public meetings held to dispel any misunderstandings that may occur. (ACTION: CCW)
Develop links with other researchers including abroad and liaise with CCW.
Links with other action plans
None given.
Publication details
Originally published in: Biodiversity: The UK Steering Group Report - Volume II: Action Plans (December 1995, Tranche 1, Vol 2, p186)
Related links
ARKive Visit the ARKive website to view images and further information relating to this species