SEVERAL rare flower species have been discovered in Chippenham by a group of botanists from the Wiltshire Botanical Society.

The group spent several hours on Sunday morning exploring car parks, river banks and other waste land areas in the town centre.

The search revealed a wealth of plant life and their attendant butterflies and other beneficial insects.

Several unusual species were identified, including a large patch of purple Hybrid San Lucerne near the town bridge.

A large quantity of Yellow Corydalis was discovered on a wall near the Emery Gate car park and the rare Brittle Bladder Fern was found in a grating in Lord's Alley in the Market Place.

Dr Jack Oliver, an expert on non-native species, or aliens, said that of the 35 species he had noted, 22 were aliens.

The search had confirmed his theory that aliens take hold in towns more easily than in rural areas.

He also suggested a more extensive search would turn up a far greater list then they managed to find in one morning.

"We tend to dismiss these odd places as untidy but they are of immense importance in maintaining a corridor for wildlife," said Monica Blake, a member of the botanical society.

"Thistles for example are an important plant for nectaring butterflies as well as providing seeds for birds later on."