The Dark Red Helleborine orchids were dug up and removed from the Stoney Middleton area some time between July 16 and 23.

And the Peak District National Park Authority, Natural England, National Trust, Derby Museum and Art Gallery and the Royal Horticultural Society have all expressed concern about the impact that losing the rare plants could have on the Peak District.

They say unless the theft had been carried out by someone with specialist knowledge, the orchids were likely to die.

Dr John David, head of botany at the Royal Horticultural Society, said: "We utterly condemn the theft of Dark Red Helleborine from their native habitat in the Peak District National Park.

"These plants should always be left where they can sustain a natural population and people who really care about our native plants will understand that this is the best way to conserve them."

Rhodri Thomas, natural environment team manager for the Peak District National Park Authority, said: "The actions of the thieves have damaged a nationally important wildlife site and put a rare plant under further threat.

"Orchids are popular flowers but it is important that they are left to flourish in their natural environment - in this case the limestone area of the White Peak.

"The Dark Red Helleborine orchids are found in only five areas of the UK. Their numbers in the Peak District fell sharply in the 1960s due to mineral extraction and now there are not many plants left so it is important we do everything possible to protect them."

Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 it is an offence to pick rare plants and it is also a criminal offence to take plants from land without the owner's permission.

Pete Charleston, wildlife crime co-ordinator for Derbyshire Police, said: "Some people might be surprised to know that it is a crime to take plants from the countryside but these orchids are as much a part of our heritage as a painting in an art gallery or museum and so deserve protection too.

"We are very keen to hear from anybody who has information about the theft of the Dark Red Helleborine orchids in the Stoney Middleton area or any similar incidents."

Anyone with information about the orchid theft should call the police on 0845 123 3333.