Orchids on green roofs are not as rare as you might think. This green roof Carport in Herefordshire is a case in point. Spotted Orchids have appeared on the roof. It has also been a hit with the local invertebrates. Just proves that with a little thought a small green roof can transform a building into a small biodiversity hotspot.
No Previous Experience
Sally Webster, whose roof it is, says ‘It has brought me endless pleasure (the ladder got replaced with some permanent steps). She adds that ‘the guide (first edition) was very timely as my builder had no previous experience of green roofs’. She adds – ‘I even managed to put up drainage chains (complete with tennis balls) myself using it!’
Sally devised her own substrate based on limestone chippings with no ‘soil’. The substrate is deep enough to sustain well over 30 species of wild flower. The roof has proved perfect for wild thyme, harebells, scabious…but there is always a surprise element from one year to the next – last year there was a proliferation of kidney vetch.’ And of course there have been spotted orchids.
Spotted Orchid on the green roof
Orchids on Green Roofs
We are aware of a number of roofs with Spotted Orchids in Switzerland and Germany. However, this is the first time we have heard of an English green roof playing host to this species. Back in 2011, John did discover a colony of bee orchids that appear from nowhere after 17 years. Perhaps the conditions were just right that year. A dry summer before and a dry spring might have allowed the dormant seeds to flourish – who knows?
There are also a number of large roofs in Switzerland which are famous for there Orchids including a hospital in St. Gallen, and at treatment plant in Zurich. There are also a good number of covered reservoirs (essentially green roofs) in the UK, which are well known for their orchid populations.
Small copper butterfly
Green roof Potential
Whilst the majority of small scale green roofs are built on sheds or extensions, they are perfect for other outside buildings like this carport, such as wood sheds and outdoor classrooms. It would be great to see more small scale public buildings with green roofs – bus stops, bin shelters and even smoking shelters!!!
Wild Thyme thriving on the green roof
Green roof – the Domino Effect
Sally also adds
‘As you might have gathered, I’m a big enthusiastic and take every opportunity to point my living roof out to passers-by. I happen to have a footpath going through my garden which helps. My next-door neighbours have just taken the plunge and are refurbishing their sheds with sedum roofs so word certainly seems to be spreading even in rural parts! More practical online information of the sort you are proposing will help that process along even more.’
We are always amazed at how one small green roof on a street can stimulate others to take the plunge. So get yourself the guide and start the domino effect in a neighbourhood near you.
