Close-up of the Monkey Orchid Orchis simia photographed in Oxfordshire.

The Monkey Orchid in Oxfordshire is thought to have a narrow genetic base due to the fact that its numbers were reduced to the point where they were very nearly lost to the Chilterns.

The last surviving colony was almost wiped out by the ploughing of its meadow habitat and its remarkable recovery owes much to the dedicated and intelligent work of the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT).

This photograph is used on the new publicity leaflet for the Hardy Orchid Society.

Ref: MN0053

Location: Oxfordshire