麻豆社

Parkgate Down is a small reserve south of Canterbury that's jam-packed with orchids. Mike Dilger meets Ian Rickards, reserve warden, to look for them. There are tens of thousands of orchids here - the density and variety is stunning. But why is this site so good for orchids? Firstly, it's an ancient, unimproved grassland that has never been farmed intensively. Only grazing has occurred here - it has never been ploughed of fertilised. Grazing is crucial on many orchid sites. It is done here from September onwards, after the flowers have gone. Konik ponies and Highland cattle - old tough breeds - are used, and graze for three or four months to manage the site. The greater butterfly orchid only releases its scent in the evening, because it's pollinated by moths. The monkey orchid is incredibly rare - there are only three sites in the country where they grow. The name comes from the flowers which looks like a small monkeys. Other orchids here are common spotted, twayblade and fragrant.