Kent is the orchid stronghold of the UK... and now is one of the best times to spot a monkey, lady, fly or even bee.

Those are some of the weird-named species of orchids on show in our county, and the remaining weeks of May and June should see them on show in abundance.

Many of the UK's 50 or so species - including some of the rarest - can be found here, and Kent Wildlife Trust is urging flower spotters to make their way to the charity's nature reserves.

With the flowering season potentially extended due to the late arrival of spring, the rich mix of species will be on show throughout the county.

Most orchid species require short grassland habitat dominated by fine grasses.

At Park Gate Down near Canterbury, orchids such as early purple, common spotted, fragrant, monkey, pyramidal, bee and greater butterfly all thrive.

Kent Wildlife Trust reserves officer, John McAllister, said: “You don’t have to be a botanist to appreciate these most exquisite of wild flowers, and there is no better time to visit a Trust nature reserve to enjoy them."

As well as Park Gate Down, some of the best sites for orchids in Kent are Hothfield Heathlands (nr Ashford) for heath spotted orchids; Lydden Temple Ewell (nr Dover) for burnt tip and early spider orchids; Marden Meadow (nr Staplehurst) for 1,000s of green-winged orchids; and Yockletts Bank (nr Canterbury) - one of the best sites for lady orchids.