Mown down: Rare orchids' fate sparks fury

SHOREHAM residents were horrified to find rare flowers had been destroyed by a grass-cutter.

About 200 wild bee orchids had been growing on the bank in Mill Hill, which was marked out less than 12 months ago as a Notable Road Verge, giving it protection for its special wildlife interest.

Mill Hill resident Stanley Allen said: "We had been campaigning for about five years to have this grassy bank properly designated.

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"We have been watching the bee orchids develop and more seemed to come up each year.

"In May 2006 there was a ceremony to mark the fact that this had been declared a protected verge and a red-and-white sign was put up explaining the importance of this area.

"The orchids were due to flower in about three weeks' time but the whole bank has been absolutely devastated.

"It hasn't just been mowed - it has been shaved right down to the ground. I was very shocked. I just can't believe it has happened and I don't know whether the orchids will recover from this."

For full story see West Sussex Gazette May 14