Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory Trust (SBBOT)

Lizard Orchid Himantoglossum hircinum

(Flowers May to July)

Lizard Orchids are nationally vulnerable and a Red Data species.  They were restricted to Kent until the early 20th Century when small numbers were found in Yorkshire and Devon.  Sandwich Bay does however hold the largest population of this species in the UK. They continue to spread and can be found easily along the verges of the Beach road.

Their ribbon-like flowers have an unusual scent and grow on calcareous grasslands and dunes. 

Man Orchid Aceras anthropophorum

(Flowers June to July)

A native of field borders and grassy slopes, the unusual Man Orchid is found in small numbers across the golf courses of Sandwich Bay. Man Orchid is nationally scarce and found mainly in the south east of England.  Its range covers Europe northwards to Belgium, Germany and as far as Turkey and North Africa.

Widespread in small colonies around St. George's golf course.

Common Twayblade Listera ovata

(Flowers June to July)

Although sometimes hard to spot, this plant is easily recognisable, due to the yellowy-green flowers and, as the name suggests, the two broad leaves at the base of the stem. Common Twayblade is one of the most common and widespread of the Orchids and grows in damp woods, meadows and sand dunes.

Hundreds are found around Sandwich Bay.

Pyramidal Orchid Anacamptis pyramidalis

(Flowers June to August)

The Pyramidal Orchid is named after the shape of the young flower-heads.  It grows on chalk grasslands and sand dunes where it flowers later than other orchids. Many insects are attracted to the abundant supply of nectar produced by this plant in long thread like spurs.

Best described as abundant, this orchid has even established itself on the islets at Backsand Scrape.

Southern Marsh Orchid Dactylorhiza praetermissa

(Flowers June to August)

This orchid is of interest for having two distinct forms. The common form, shown on the left of the photograph, has unspotted leaves. On the right the variant, pardalina, exhibits spots on its leaves. These beautiful flowers grow in fens and wet meadows on calcareous soils.

Green-winged Orchid Orhcis morio

(Flowers May to June)

This beautiful plant of grasslands and meadows is found on the golf courses at Sandwich Bay. It owes its name to the green stripes on the uppermost two petals.

Marsh Helleborine Epipactis palustris

(Flowers July to September)

A rare and beautiful plant, the Marsh Helleborine is only found in two areas in Kent.  Moist habitats are preferred, which include fens, marshes and dune slacks. A closer look is needed to fully appreciate this plant with its pink veined, frilly edged petals.

Four figure counts are possible around Prince's old clubhouse in July.

Sand Catchfly Silene conica

(Flowers May to June)

A careful look along slopes of waste areas or sand-dunes may reveal these tiny delicate pink flowers. Interestingly this plant requires slight disturbance as it relies on bare or sparsely vegetated patches. The Sand Catchfly is a nationally scarce member of the campion family. 

Best found beside the footpath from the Field Centre which runs over St George's Golf Course to the sea.

Yellow Bartsia Parentucellia viscosa

(Flowers June to September)

At first glance this plant could be mistaken for a late flowering Yellow Rattle. A closer inspection will reveal a smaller flower which lacks the large seed capsule. This rare flower can be found in damp grassy places, which are usually coastal.  It is only found in one other place in Kent.

Common Broomrape Orobanche minor

(Flowers June to September)

This plant is a parasite of the pea family, especially clovers, and can therefore be seen growing in areas with these in plentiful supply. Although fairly common in the south of England, it is now becoming rare in the west and north of the country.

Bedstraw Broomrape Orobanche caryophyllacea

(Flowers May to July)

Sandwich Bay is the only place in England to see this rare and fascinating plant in regular good numbers. Clove-scented Broomrape is its other name. It can be seen growing on fixed sand-dunes and chalk grasslands where it is parasitic on the roots of various plants.

Restharrow Ononis repens

(Flowers June to September)

The deep roots and intertwined stems of this interesting plant made them very unpopular with farmers when using horse-drawn ploughs or harrows, hence the common name means “to stop the harrow”. Restharrow prefers rough grasslands including sand-dunes and pastures and is a food-plant of the Common Blue Butterfly caterpillar.

Heath Dog Violet Viola canina

(Flowers April to June)

This beautiful plant is locally frequent on sand dunes, dry sandy heaths and fens. It can be distinguished from the from the Common Dog Violet and the Early Dog Violet by the spur which is straight and more yellowy.

Yellow Horned Poppy Glaucium flavum

(Flowers April to September)

This interesting flower is restricted to stable stretches of coastal sand and shingle. It is easily found along the Estate sea-front and south towards Deal. The name derives from the slender seed capsules which can grow to 30cm in length. Although the plant flowers throughout the summer, each flower only opens for one day before withering.

Hare’s Foot Clover Trifolium arvense

(Flowers June to September)

As the name “arvense” suggests, this plant was once common on arable land.  It has been cleared from most of the areas by improved agricultural practices. The distinctive pinkish flower heads are now more often found on dry grasslands and coastal  grassy areas with sandy soil.