SOME of Gloucestershire's most beautiful wildflowers are under threat of extinction, with one species only surviving on a single nature reserve, according to a local conservation charity.

The future of a number of internationally significant wildflowers hangs in the balance warns the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, which has produced information showing where some of the most significant flowers are still surviving in the county.

Gloucestershire’s county flower, the wild daffodil, now only survives in patchy populations, just over the border from Ledbury.

Two vital strongholds are Betty Daw’s Wood and Gwen and Vera’s Fields, close to Newent and Dymock.

Adam Taylor, head of land management for the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust said: “Here in Gloucestershire we have a rich heritage of dazzling wildflowers. Sadly, one reason why they are so special is because many are rare, and some are under threat of extinction.

“The nature reserves that we look after are vital havens for some of the rarest species. The fact that declining wildflowers are surviving shows that our management of these sites is working, and are giving rare species the toehold they need to survive and expand again into the wider countryside.”

Meadow clary is now only found on one site in the whole of Gloucestershire, at the Stuart Fawkes Nature Reserve in Minchinhampton, which is managed by Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust.

The Badgeworth buttercup, also known as adder’s tongue spearwort, is only found on two sites in Gloucestershire, including the Badgeworth Nature Reserve.

And the sword-leaved helleborine is one of the most threatened orchids in the county, but can still be found on nature reserves in the Wye Valley.

Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, which manages 65 nature reserves throughout the county, is asking local people to donate to its Rarities Appeal so it can restore and expand places where wildflowers can thrive. Further information at gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk