The orchid has been spotted in areas of Sligo and Dublin before in the Republic of Ireland, but has never before been located in Northern Ireland, according to local botanists.The orchid has been spotted in areas of Sligo and Dublin before in the Republic of Ireland, but has never before been located in Northern Ireland, according to local botanists.

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The BSBI recorder for County Down, Graham Day, said he was thrilled to hear of the find.

He said this was a significant discovery as it is most unusual for a new native species to turn up in your patch, especially an orchid.

Killard National Nature Reserve, which is the site of the discovery, is on the Killard Peninsula, where Strangford Lough meets the Irish Sea.

The nature reserve is a popular spot with local botanists, known for its wealth of orchid species and coastal plants.

Jake said that the site is extremely well-managed, with careful attention paid to grazing, and maybe that is the secret as to why the new species was able to colonise.