Orley Common

Greater Butterfly-orchid (Platanthera chlorantha)

Orley Common is half a mile west of Ipplepen on the road to Torbryan: grid reference SX 828 667. It is a fragile site of great value for its wildlife, geology and historical interest. Because it has fairly undisturbed ancient grassland and ancient woodland, it is very species-rich, with County and national rarities.  The Common covers 19 hectares (47 acres), but feels smaller with its intimate, varied landscape. The area is an ‘ownerless’ Common, but is protected and managed by Teignbridge District Council under Section 9 of the Commons Registration Act, 1965.

Common Spotted-orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii)

Sloe berries (Prunus spinosa)

Tufted Vetch (Vivia cracca)

Dryad’s saddle (Polyporus squamosus). Bracket fungi, parasitic on deciduous trees especially elm, beech and sycamore, and causing an intensive white rot. Spring to summer, very common.


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