Associated with wet, unimproved hay meadow habitat, this species is protected and classified as vulnerable due to significant declines driven by habitat loss. Fortunately, the Thames and surrounding floodplains continue to support nationally important populations. North Meadow National Nature Reserve at Cricklade alone holds around 80% of the UK’s native population, with additional strongholds at Ducklington and Iffley Meadows.
Flowering from mid-April to early May, it is also known as the hooded lily. This photograph was taken during a team site visit to a farm bordering the infant Thames at Ashton Keynes part of a growing citizen science and restoration programme of works in the area.
