Plants

Bluebell wood

Plants representative of most of the UK’s geographical regions can be found in England’s Northwest.

Some of the UK’s rarest plants, many in danger of extinction, can be found in the Northwest, thanks to its rich and diverse habitats.

Abandoned copper mines and old quarries in the limestone areas around Morecambe Bay are the only place other than southern England where you can see the rare Fly Orchid, while Silverdale is home to one of Britain’s very few Lady’s Slipper Orchids, a beautiful but internationally endangered plant.

The Wirral’s Hilbre Islands are also among the last few places in the country where you can see the rare and beautiful Rock Sea-Lavender while nearby in Knowsley you can visit Europe’s only wildflower conservation centre, one of only two in the world.