THE display of wild flowers on Rodborough Commons has been described as the best seen in many years by National Trust rangers.

The displays of bright yellow cowslips and other flowers such as early purple orchids can be seen right across the commons.

“It is the best I’ve seen,” said National Trust Ranger Richard Evans. “Both Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons have what must be the best displays in the South West for cowslips and early purple orchids.”

The displays are a result of the generations of continuous grazing of the commons by the commoners, which create the right environment for the wild flowers and a host of other wildlife which they, in turn, sustain.

Simon Ford, the National Trust Nature Conservation Adviser explained that cowslips grow well on bare ground.

“They got their name from colonising patches of ground where cattle slip and leave bare soil. Grazing of the commons creates divots and bare patches which really does encourage the growth of wild flowers.

“The grazing level at Rodborough and Minchinhampton keeps down the woody plants and other scrub and encourages not just the current displays but other plants such as the purple pasque flower, gentian blue milkwort, rock rose and Squinancywort.”

There is 350ha (865 acres) of commons cared for by the National Trust in partnership with the commoners who graze the land. The grassland overlies limestone creating a rare environment for wildlife which led to the commons being declared the only grassland Special Area of Conservation in the Cotswolds.

“It is the largest unenclosed grassland area in the Cotswolds but it is also a rare island of traditional grazing surrounded by modern farming and urban growth- but also a great place for people living nearby to escape into,” said Richard Evans.

“We’d recommend it right now – and possibly for another week or so while the flowers are at their best.”