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. This richly-illustrated guide covers the identification, biology and conservation of British and Irish orchids. Only recently has it become possible to publish locations for almost all species. For the first time, this book includes a detailed site guide, covering the best places to see orchids in Britain. 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. Covers every species of British and Irish orchid in breathtaking detail Species descriptions cover identification, flowering period, habitat, range, subspecies, variation, biology, and history and conservation. Includes over 370 stunning colour photographs For the first time, a site guide is provided covering over 330 places to see wild orchids Every species has a detailed map based on the New Atlas of the British and Irish Flora.