This publication, in conjunction with English Nature (now Natural England), is an excellent book for beginners to the world of orchids in Britain. Small enough to use in the field with excellent photographs of all species and helpful distribution maps, this book is extremely useful in identifying orchids in the field.

Each species of orchid has at least 2 pages with identification notes, details of habitat and confusion species. The distribution maps and conservation status details give observers an insight into how notable their sightings of orchids are.

In addition to the species pages there is a comprehinsive introduction which discusses the intricate ecology of orchids, the hybridisation of various species and further notes on the habitats orchids can be found in. Possibly the most useful page in the introduction is the guide to orchid flowering periods - a very helpful indication to when various species can be seen.

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