NATURE lovers have been enjoying the blooming of extremely rare flowers in Cricklade.

Families of walkers have been coming from across the country to view the annual flowering of the snake’s-head fritillaries at North Meadow nature reserve in the Wiltshire town.

Every spring, more than half a million of the small bulbous headed flowers blossom, creating a carpet of purple and white that delights tourists and local residents a like.

Snake’s-head fritillaria are incredibly rare in the UK and the 24.6 hectares field in Cricklade represents more than 80 per cent of the entire country’s population of the flowers.

They are so named after the chequered snakeskin like pattern of their petals.

Lyn Luther, her husband John and son Jaden, travelled all the way from Melksham to view the magnificent sight.

“It’s the third time we’ve tried coming but the first time we’ve been able to see them”, said Lyn.

“It’s so lovely, we weren’t sure what to expect but a friend recommended it to us.”

Daphne Trowbridge and her daughter Alvina Shepard made a four hour round trip from Sturminster Newton in Dorset to see the flowers.

“It’s wonderful, absolutely spectacular”, said Daphne.

“They are my favourite flowers.

“I came 20 years ago and I’ve always wanted to come back so it’s been a wonderful day.”

There is still time to see the unusual flowers which will be in bloom until May.

Aidan Fallon, reserve manager at North Meadow, offered some words of advice for anyone coming to view the flowers.

“Following the warm dry spell of the past few weeks the fritillaries are flowering”, he said.

“It’s looking fantastic this year.

“The best displays are currently in the northern area of the meadow, on the blue route.

“Dogs are welcome but please be aware the flowers are very delicate so stick to the paths."

For more information about the frillitaries, go to crickladeinbloom.co.uk