To promote Britain's wildflower heritage Plantlife International launched its County Flowers campaign, in 2002, by getting members of the public to nominate a wildflower as an emblem for their county.

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Amongst those nominated for Bedfordshire was the bee orchid, ophrys apifera. This was the final choice of the selecting panel that also included Dr David Bellamy OBE.

Dr Bellamy had the opportunity to examine the Bedfordshire bee orchid at first hand on a visit to the Glebe Meadows Arlesey as a guest of Arlesey Conservation for Nature.

Be like Dr Bellamy and get out to see one of the many wildflowers that can be found around Arlesey, it's full of surprises.

Picture copyright Tony Margiocchi