Wildflower enthusiasts encouraged to take part in survey of cowslips

Charity Plantlife is calling on public to help monitor genetic diversity of flowers

Cowslips, also known as cowslops, fairy cups and bunch of keys, are wild yellow spring flowers found on grass verges and close to footpaths (PA)

A nature charity is calling on flower enthusiasts to take part in a citizens' survey of cowslips in a bid to better understand the health of threatened meadows across the country.

Cowslips, also known as cowslops, fairy cups and bunch of keys, are wild yellow spring flowers found on grass verges and close to footpaths.

A cousin of the primrose, cowslips can also be found in meadows. The genetic diversity of the flowers in a meadow helps experts to assess the broader health of that habitat.