SPRING has well and truly sprung as the famous snake's head fritillaries are starting to bloom at Cricklade’s North Meadow nature reserve.

People came from far and wide to see the delicate little flowers, which make up a massive 80 per cent of Britain’s snake head fritillaries.

The fields were covered with beautiful purple blooms, their heads bowed in the April sun.

Snake's head fritillaries are small flowers with chequered purple, pink or white bell-like heads.

They bloom in April and May and Cricklade’s North Meadow is one of their favourite hangout spots.

National Trust members and wildlife lovers John and Caroline McAteer travelled from Oxfordshire to see the pretty little posies.

Caroline, 52, said: “We come and see the fritillaries every year, they are absolutely beautiful. It really makes it when the weather is as nice as this and it’s such a pleasure to be out in nature.

“We are members of the National Trust and we always like to encourage wildlife, it all just looks so beautiful. It’s a very nice place to bring your family on a Sunday.”

Nigel and Sue Passmore, from Cirencester, are also regular fritillarie watchers.

A passionate Nigel said: “We make a point of coming here every year when the fritillaries are out in bloom. It’s a pity they’re not out all year round because they are lovely.”

The best displays are currently in the northern area of the meadow, on the blue route, with flowering rolling down towards the southern end.

The fritillaries will be in flower until May, so nature lovers have been urged to visit before it’s too late.

Angela Howard, 67, from North Swindon, said: “It’s a wonderful day to be out in the sunshine and all the flowers look lovely. It’s nice just to come and stand here among all this natural beauty.

“We are very lucky because we live in such a nice part of the world. We have this on our doorstep and we should really be very thankful.”

A spokesman from the nature reserve reminded visitors: “Please be aware that that the fritillaries are very delicate and grow right up next to the paths.

“Many don’t flower so walking sticking to the paths and walking in small groups is now more important than ever.”