NATURE lovers will be treated to a rare sighting of green-winged orchids during an open day organised by Worcestershire Wildlife Trust.

The trust is inviting people to Eades Meadow, tomorrow, between 2pm and 5pm.

Eades Meadow, near Hanbury, Droitwich, is part of Fosters Green Meadows National Nature Reserve and is one of Britain's finest wildflower meadows. It is open to the public for just one day each year, due to its fragility.

The meadow boasts more than 180 different plant species, many of them uncommon, and it has not been ploughed for more than 165 years and has never been treated with any artificial chemical fertilisers or herbicides. Eades Meadow also supports a vast number of insects, spiders, and other invertebrates.

Throughout spring and summer, the colour of the meadow changes daily as different plants come into flower and it is particularly famous for its green-winged orchids in spring, and meadow saffron in autumn.

"Rich wildflower grasslands like Eades Meadow have rightly been called the 'medieval cathedrals' of the natural world," said Helen Woodman, conservation manager with the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust.

"They need to be valued and treated with the same degree of care, as their survival is constantly at risk and such historic sites can never be replaced once lost."

Entrance is free, but donations towards the trust's work are welcome. Car parking is available. For more information, phone Alan Shepherd on 01905 754919.