Blooming marvellous

Snake's head fritillaries were once common but can only be seen at 12 sites in the country including North Meadow, near Cricklade, which is home to the largest population of fritillaries in the country.

Now the wildflowers are also flourishing at Roves Farm in a field called Thorn's Copse, which, like North Meadow, floods frequently and is managed using traditional farming techniques.

Farm owners Rupert and Joanna Burr said that it is the second year running the blooms have appeared in their field.

"We are absolutely delighted that these wonderful flowers have come again," Rupert said.

"Last year we were afraid that it may have been a one-off, but this year we have a white fritillary as well as the more usual purple ones.

"As it happens last year's flowers were nearly all eaten by a hare but they seem no worse for their experience. We have put a few guards over them this time."

Thorn's Copse field was entered into a Government scheme called Country-side Stewardship in 1992 and since then it has been farmed without chemicals or fertilisers.

"It has given us many months of pleasure to see the meadow develop," Joanna added.

"We now have many other flowers arriving as well. It is a wonderful sight throughout the summer months as the different species come into flower.

"Snake's head fritillaries are the cream on the cake and it goes to show what can happen if you give nature a chance."

Tim Frayling, English Nature's conservation officer for Swindon and Wiltshire, said that seeds had probably been dormant in the ground for several years but only came through when the conditions were right.

He said: "It is likely that snake's head fritillaries were in the seed bank at Roves Farm and environmentally- friendly farming methods have encouraged the wild plants to return."

The farm has a visitor centre, which organises trips to the field by tractor and trailer. For more information call 01793 763939 or log onto www.rovesfarm.co.uk.

Bhavani Vadde