Most Britons struggle to identify our wildflowers

THE majority of people cannot correctly identify some widespread UK wildflowers – but most would like to know more about wild plants, a survey suggests.

While 70% were able to name bluebells, a national favourite, 80% could not identify a common dog-violet, even though it is found across 97% of the UK, with only one person giving its full correct name.

And almost three quarters (74%) could not name red clover when shown a picture of the flower.

But 70% of the 2,132 people quizzed by YouGov for wildlife charity Plantlife agreed they would like to know more about wildflowers.

There was also interest among younger people, as while only 11% of 16 to 24-year-olds felt confident they could name many wildflowers, 56% expressed a desire to be able to identify more.

The findings of the survey are being released as Plantlife launches the Great British Wild Flower Hunt, which includes nearly 50 flowers to identify, and allows hunters to filter photos by colour, mark off flowers spotted and earn “flower points” for what they spot.

The hunt is part of the Forgetme-not campaign, which Plantlife developed in response to the Oxford Junior Dictionary dropping plant names such as bluebell and blackberry from its latest edition, because they were not as relevant for children today.

But Marian Spain, chief executive of Plantlife, said: “Lots of us love wildflowers but can feel unconfident around them and want to know more.”

To join the Great British Wild Flower Hunt, visit www.plantlife. org.uk/wildflowerhunt