Ref. 30015-142FLOWER spotters were left soaking wet at the weekend when driving rain prevented them from viewing some of the country's rarest blooms.

Scores of people were expected to descend on North Meadow Nature Reserve at Cricklade for a guided tour.

But the appalling weather meant that only a handful of spotters turn up.

But thousands of people are expected to visit the reserve between now and mid-May to catch a glimpse of the snake's head fritillaries, which flower annually at this time of year.

Once common viewing in the British countryside, the small purple and white blooms can only be found at 12 protected sites.

Tim Frayling, English Nature's conservation officer for Swindon and Wiltshire, said: "It's a great attraction and the right time of year to see them is now.

"The site has become well known, we get about 6,000 visitors every year and they come from all over, even abroad."

English Nature has owned most of the meadow since 1973.

And contractors, who maintain the site, have strict orders to use traditional methods.

Each year between August and February 12, Cricklade residents can exercise their ancient right to graze their cattle and horses on the meadow.