THE UK’s rarest orchid – due to flower soon – is due to star at the Wild About Orchids Month at Kilnsey Park Estate.

The event, which runs until June 19, will allow people to get close to the near-mythical Lady’s Slipper Orchid.

The flower was feared extinct for many years until it was re-discovered growing in the Dales, at a secret and now guarded location.

The nature reserve at Kilnsey Park Estate was one of the first locations across the North of England to be specially selected to re-introduce the orchid, after a flower was successfully pollinated with a toothpick.

Now well established at the reserve, the plant is thriving, along with more than 150 other wildflowers, including nine other types of orchid.

Managing partner, Jamie Roberts, said: “Due to huge over-collection, by the 1930s there was just one Lady’s Slipper Orchid left in the UK.

"This plant was guarded and nurtured by the secret Cypripedium Committee, who worked with Kew Gardens to grow some plants from seeds. These were given to a small number of select sites across the North of England, where conditions would give these beautiful plants the best chance to thrive.

“We take great care of our orchids here and are delighted the Lady’s Slipper Orchid is so happily established.”

There will be guided walks at 2pm each Sunday, as well as ‘wildflower bingo’ for children.