Musk orchids

The musk orchid (Herminium monorchis) is one of a large number of orchid species found in limestone grassland. According to a biological survey on the common land of Gloucestershire conducted by J W Aitchison, it is found on 12 out of 16 of the County's commons and therefore should be counted as scarce, but not rare.

However numbers are declining, most probably due to the lack of grazing on commons today and Cleeve Common is therefore of increasing importance in conserving this species in the County. A survey in the Padcombe 'nature reserve' area, carried out in June 2008 by Natural England and the Board's consultant, Alistair Bird, found a healthy population of at least 100 musk orchids. More have been found at other sites on the Common.

Other species of orchid found on the Common include (left to right below) the bee orchid, pyramid orchid, common or spotted orchid and fragrant orchid. June is the peak of the flowering season.