A NATURE-lover from Malvern has criticised Welland Parish Council for allowing a green containing rare orchids to be mowed.

Pat Palmer, of Albert Park Road, says the green-winged orchid has flourished for a number of years on the green just off the village crossroads.

She said: “Every year a low temporary fence is erected round the main patch of flowers.

“But this year many new plants had grown well outside this barrier.”

Over the spring bank holiday weekend, she was horrified to discover that the green had been closely mown, saving only the fenced area and another patch near the war memorial.

She said: “All the other orchids had gone.

“All the council had to do was to wait a week or so until the flowering season was over, when the orchids had gone.

“They could have mown and no harm would have been done.”

Roger Cousins, of the council ,said: “We’ve been caring for the orchids for the last 15-20 years and they are doing very well.

“The land belongs to the highway authority and if we let the grass grow into a hay meadow, there might be a safety issue.

“I think we’re doing pretty well in looking after them, but we’re always happy to listen to suggestions.”

The green-winged orchid is one of the most threatened plants and depends on infertile or nutrientpoor grasslands.

It was once widespread, but has declined steadily over the last 60 years. It takes its name from the prominent green veins which line the flower’s hood.

According to English Nature, sites it is found in Worcestershire include a nature reserve near Redditch.

This week, a specimen was discovered at Worcester Woods Country Park, where it has not been seen for more than seven years.