In pictures: Large field of crocuses blooms in Berkshire

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Bee on a crocusImage source, Pete Hughes
Image caption,

Inkpen Field in Berkshire is covered in 400,000 crocuses which have bloomed

Thousands of wild crocuses have bloomed in a nature reserve creating one of the UK's largest displays of the wild spring flower.

Inkpen Crocus Field in West Berkshire is thought to be one of the nation's biggest with more than 400,000 flowers.

The field is an official nature reserve managed by Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT).

Some locals believe 12th century Crusaders brought the flowers back from central Europe, according to the organisation.

Others believe that they are garden escapees that have established themselves over the last 200 years.

Image source, Pete Hughes
Image caption,

Botanist George Claridge Druce visited the site and said the field was well known for displays of crocuses

Image source, Pete Hughes
Image caption,

The field was added to the Society for Promotion of Nature Reserves founded by Charles Rothschild in May 1912

Image source, Pete Hughes
Image caption,

Some locals believe 12th century Crusaders brought the flowers back from central Europe, BBOWT said

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