Harming these species could lead to court action or fines
A visit to the countryside could end up in a court appearance if you accidentally step on any of these endangered plants.
These seven plants are very rare, and it’s against the law to pick, cut, uproot or destroy them. The plants are classed as European Protected Species (EPS). They are protected under both European Law and the Wildlife and Countryside Act. Harming them could result in a six-month prison sentence plus a hefty £5,000 fine.
The garden experts at online shed retailer BillyOh.com have compiled a quick guide to seven protected plants.
Seven protected plants
A spokesperson said: “There’s nothing better than taking to the great British countryside for a brisk walk and some fresh air. If you happen to stumble across the following plants, steer clear!
“It’s a criminal offence to tamper with these species. That includes the whole plant, dead plants, or indeed any part of the plant at all. If you do happen to see any of the following on your travels, try not to get too close. Make a note of where you have found it. Chances are there are authorities somewhere that might like to know.”
Here are the plants:
Endangered plants – Lady’s slipper orchid
Once widespread throughout Europe and Asia, forest clearance and uprooting by orchid collecting Victorians wiped out most of the species. It has been declared extinct and rediscovered but is still so rare that it is illegal to even touch the plant without a special licence.
Early gentian
This little plant has stunning blue-purple flowers and small pointed leaves, and grows in isolated populations in England from Cornwall to Lincolnshire. It favours open grassy places and light, warm soils and is protected under Schedule 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. For more on cultivated gentians, see my Alpines page.
Endangered plants – Creeping marshwort
These perennials form rosettes of simple pinnate leaves and grow in wet grassland subject to winter flooding, typically by rivers. The number has been monitored over several years and fluctuates annually, but is listed as Critically Endangered in Britain.
Fen orchid
Found only in Norfolk, South Wales and North Devon, the plant has flowers and leaves that wrap around the bottom of the single stem, which supports several flowers towards the top of the plant. In East Anglia, there are reproduction programmes and habitat management, as this plant is listed as Critically Endangered.
Endangered plants – Killarney fern
This is a medium-sized, long-lived fern with delicate, translucent fronds. It grows on constantly shaded and humid rock faces and was always rare, but it has become extinct at a number of sites due to collecting and is now very rare in the UK.
Marsh saxifrage
This little plant has very specific habitat requirements and needs sufficient bare ground for seedlings to establish. As a result, it grows only in 21 sites across Britain – 80-90 per cent of which are in the North Pennines.
Endangered plants – Shore dock
A dock with greyish leaves and a tiny green or reddish-brown flower, this plant grows on the west coast of Wales and southern England and is classified as Endangered, and protected under Schedule 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
