Looking for a fresh way to connect with nature this summer? Whether you’ve helped us survey willow tits or moths in the past or are new to citizen science, now’s your chance to explore the beauty right on your doorstep. Join our Helleborine Hunt and discover these stunning wild orchids in your local area! Grab your friends, family, or even your furry companion, and take a stroll to spot helleborines with the help of our handy helleborine ID guide.

Submit your helleborine sightings

How will this help us?

Helleborines are captivating wildflowers from the orchid family, thriving in damp woodlands, grasslands, and dunes. By spotting these plants, you’ll help us map their locations in Greater Manchester and the Mersey Gateway, supporting our Wet Willow Wildlife project . Your sightings will directly support our mission to protect and restore wet woodlands. 

What we need from you

When you’re out exploring your local green spaces, keep an eye out for these helleborine species in shaded, damp areas:

• Broad-leaved helleborine
• Marsh helleborine
• Green-flowered helleborine
• Dune helleborine

Two Steps to Record Your Sightings

1. Snap clear photos of any suspected helleborine: Capture the whole plant, including its flowers and leaves. If you spot a group of the same species, note how many are present.
2. Submit your find: Use our online form to record:
   • Who found it
   • Date of the sighting
   • Location (use the map tool)
   • Which species you think it is

Unsure of the Species? No problem! Submit your photos anyway, and our team will help identify them.

One Form Per Sighting: Please complete a new form for each individual helleborine or group you find.

Stay Safe and Respect Nature: Stay aware of your surroundings for safety. And leave helleborines where you find them—don’t pick or damage them so others can enjoy their beauty too.

Download our helleborine ID guide to make spotting these beauties a breeze now! Let’s uncover the hidden gems in the wet woodland. Please submit your sighting by Monday 1 September. 

Happy Helleborine Hunting!

Submit your helleborine sightings