Orchids of Britain and Ireland: A Field and Site Guide

Description

Orchids have long held a fascination, both for keen botanists and the general public. From the mania of Victorian collectors to the enthusiasm of modern photographers, this family of flowering plants has a strange and exotic appeal. Many orchids are beautiful, and some are rare. This well illustrated orchid guide covers the identification, biology and conservation of British and Irish orchids. Until recently, the whereabouts of the rarer species was shrouded in secrecy, making publication of any details ethically impossible. In the last few years, however, these veils have been lifted and it is now possible to publish locations for all but one or two species. For the first time, this book includes a detailed site guide, covering the best places to see orchids in Britain. "A model field guide: good, large photographs that are actually rather gorgeous; a clear text that tells you how to identify the plant using the English language rather than "botanicalese"; useful diagrams of those spectacular flower parts; and a really comprehensive section on geographical range and subspecies." The Daily Telegraph

Anne Harrap is a botanist with a Masters in Ecology. Simon Harrap is an ornithologist and naturalist with an indepth knowledge of British nature and is the author of several books. He has seen and photographed virtually every British orchid.

"This book is a comprehensive guide to Britain's most glamorous plants. I cannot imagine being without it" Chris Packham 'an essential guide for anyone on a quest to find our sexiest flowers' BBC Wildlife, July 2009 ' The best guide to our orchids on the market, and quite possibly the best on any group of wild flowers and the pictures in particular are superb ' British Wildlife (June 2009)