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A rare orchid believed to be extinct has been spotted flowering again for the first time in 100 years.
Amateur botanist David Steere discovered the flowering lizard orchids alongside a stretch of high-speed railway in Kent.
The plants were last seen in bloom in the region a century ago in the Dartford area, leading many to fear they had been wiped out.
A single lizard orchard was spotted in Kent in 2019, but hopes for a revival were dashed when it died shortly after.
Amateur botanist David Steere discovered the flowering lizard orchids (pictured) alongside a stretch of high-speed railway in Kent
Now six plants have been found flowering next to the HS1 railway line between Chatham and Bromley by the nature enthusiast.
He said: 'I know my wildflowers well and have been recording vascular plants all over Kent for a number of years.
'After coming across a flowering lizard orchid spike in 2019, which sadly wilted and died off, I was amazed at the discovery of six lizard orchids in July.
'The HS1 line has made some amazing habitats for chalk grassland plants possible, and I
