Ref. 29537-50LYDIARD Park's plethora of spring flowers was the subject of a survey yesterday as volunteers and experts investigated the horticulture of the estate.

The results of the survey, done with the help of the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, will be used to ensure the restoration project currently under way is completed out sensitively.

Swindon Wildlife Officer Neil Pullen said: "We need to find out as much as we can about the flora and fauna living on the estate and this is where people can help.

"Local people and visitors often have specific knowledge and experience about the site and we are asking them to share their time and help us find out as much as we can."

Botanist and ecologist Janet Burnell from the trust led the survey, which was carried out with a handful of volunteers in spite of yesterday's poor weather.

She said several variations of the park's famous snowdrops had been found as well as other plants that are not native to England.

It is expected that the Heritage Lottery Fund-backed restoration will see much of Lydiard Park's 18th century appearance recreated, including the lost lake at the bottom of the lawn and the walled garden.

More wildlife surveys are planned for later in the year.

In May there is the first of three bat surveys, followed by a Great Crested Newt hunt later in the month.