Think of flowering wild orchids and the bliss of the midsummer months may come to mind.

Many of these superstars of the wildflower world, however, begin emerging in early spring.

In fact, it’s possible to enter a bewitching world of men and monkeys, ladies and lizards, frogs and flies as soon as April and through until September.

Orchids are the masters of mimicry, cleverly fooling their pollinators, including the furry-flowered bee orchid, or its more understated cousin, the fly orchid.

Of the fifty or so orchid species that are native to the UK, some are surprisingly common and widespread, while others are sought after rarities found only in a few select places.

There is also incredible variety among different orchid species in terms of appearance, habitat and adaptations.

For example, on chalk grassland, you can look for the dense pink flower spikes of pyramidal orchids or the taller, cylindrical spikes of the sweet smelling common fragrant-orchid. Less appealing is the spiral-lipped lizard orchid, which exudes a rather foul stink that is said to have a strong odour akin to goats.

There are also bizarre species, like the bird’s-nest orchid that grows in leaf litter deep in the woods. This extraordinary parasitic plant steals nutrients from the roots of trees and dispenses with the green chlorophyll that other plants use to make their food in favour of a creamy-brown colour all over.

The peak flowering season for orchids arrives in from May. Be very careful where you tread when searching for orchids because as well as the obvious flower spikes there will be plenty of non-flowering leaf rosettes which you should avoid trampling. And attractive as they are, do make sure to avoid the temptation to pick the flowers. Orchids look their best out in the wild, and some species are even legally protected.

One of the best places to see orchids in our area, is Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust’s nature reserve, Noar Hill in Selborne near Alton.

Once the site of medieval chalk workings, this 20-hectare nature reserve is now carpeted with an array of beautiful chalk downland flowers every spring and summer, including pyramidal orchid.

The key to finding orchids is to do your research beforehand and target the right habitats at the right times of year. There are many sources of information.

A wonderful place to find out everything you need to know is the Trust’s website: hiwwt.org.uk/explore