Is this an Orchid?

[Purple_Popple]

Saw this gorgeous flower, so took a quick photo, on the south coast....but not sure what species it is.... Media URL: http://s1063.photobucket.com/albums/t510/Purple_Popple/?action=view¤t=2012-03-31151542.jpg
Description:

[Purple_Popple]

http://i1063.photobuc.../2012-03-31151542.jpg Media URL: http://i1063.photobucket.com/albums/t510/Purple_Popple/2012-03-31151542.jpg
Description:

[woofgang]

no its a violet.

[Lillymoon]

It is a violet, and very pretty too. All mine are dark purple

[Purple_Popple]

Thank you! A little disappointed as I thought I had snapped something rare...but it is indeed pretty.

[Prudie]

Although not rare it's always a thrill to find violets in the wild. Not as easy as you might think.

[wildwood]

Here's some more. Very pretty indeed.

http://www.british-wi...ers/Violet,%20Fen.htm

[Answerprancer]

If you want to see orchids, wait for a couple of months then visit some grassy chalk-downs. They are not all rare. Ditchling Beacon (near Brighton) is normally covered in them in mid June.