Wild flowers vanishing at faster rate

Britain's common wild flowers are disappearing from the countryside at a faster rate than scientists previously believed, research reveals today.

The only national survey of Britain's wild flowers, which was released to coincide with the first day of spring, found that once plentiful species such as the bluebell, foxglove and wood anemone are vanishing.

The conservation charity Plantlife bases its findings on the work of some 3,000 volunteers and experts, who have spent five years analysing randomly chosen plots of land. The speed at which key species, particularly bird's-foot trefoil and red clover, have disappeared since the survey began has surprised botanists.

Dr Jenny Duckworth, biodiversity research manager of Plantlife, said: 'We have picked up significant trends that one would not normally expect in that space of time. They suggest that changes in our countryside could be happening at a greater speed than expected.'

· Plantlife is now asking for volunteers to come forward by emailing enquiries@plantlife.org.uk or calling 01722 342755.