Inkpen Crocus Field in bloom. Picture: Pete Hughes
The UK’s largest display of wild spring crocuses has burst into flower at a BBOWT nature reserve.
Inkpen Crocus Field in West Berkshire hosts tens of thousands of purple and white blooms each spring, beginning in late February and usually continuing until early April.
The single field, bordered by residential gardens, is an official nature reserve managed by BBOWT.
Inkpen Crocus Field in bloom. Picture: Pete Hughes
One local legend has it that 12th-century Crusaders brought the flowers back as bulbs from central Europe - others believe that they are garden escapees that have established themselves over the past 200 years.
The site was made a nature reserve by the Society for Promotion of Nature Reserves founded by banker and naturalist Charles Rothschild.
The delights of the beautiful wildflower meadow were noted by botanist George Claridge Druce when he visited the site.
Inkpen Crocus Field in bloom. Picture: Pete Hughes
He described the crocus field as ‘old pasture’ well-known for remarkable displays of Crocus vernus. Inkpen Crocus Field became reserve 274 on the famous list of Rothschild Reserves.
Find out more and get directions at bbowt.org.uk/nature-reserves/inkpen-crocus-field
