The primrose family (the Primulaceae) comprises almost a thousand species throughout the world, although fewer than thirty are native to the British Isles. The wild primrose (Primula vulgaris) is the most common member of the British family, but there are many highly coloured varieties, many of which were bred in Devon (for example, Primula "Buckland Wine" which has red flowers). Close relatives to the primrose that are also commonplace, are the cowslip (Primula veris) and oxlip.

The Primrose is a low-growing perennial herb, with pale yellow flowers and green crinkled leaves. It can be found flowering almost throughout the year but its greatest profusion of flowers occurs during spring. Remarkably, some can live up to 25 years.

Although shade tolerant, primroses favour relatively open conditions for growth and reproduction. It is found in a range of habitats including woodland, hedgebanks, coastal slopes and, where conditions dictate, open grassland.

The moist soils and humid conditions in Devon particularly favour the primrose, and it is for this reason that it grows abundantly in such a variety of habitats. It is common across the entire county except for the higher moorland areas and, land with light and sandy soil.

The primrose is important for several species of invertebrates and the flowers provide a vital source of nectar during springtime for early butterflies such as Brimstones

There is evidence of a decline in primroses in other parts of the UK, and it is possible there are fewer primroses in Devon than there used to be. Our grandparents can tell stories of primrose flowers being picked by the sackful to sell at the market. Could this be done today?

There are many factors that may be reducing the numbers of primroses -

• Changing agricultural practice
  Modern farming methods have resulted in the agricultural improvement of flower-rich grassland. The ploughing, re-seeding and fertilising of pasture all remove the habitat needed by primroses. In arable areas, ploughing to field margins, as well as fertiliser and spray drift threaten primroses and other wild flowers.
• Woodland Management
  Primroses favour sunny, open patches in woods. Changes in woodland management - including the replacement of native deciduous trees by closely-planted conifers, the neglect of small woodlands and the decline in coppicing - are all likely to be bad for primroses.
• Air Pollution
  There is some evidence that primroses might be sensitive to air pollution. Studies carried out in other parts of the UK suggest that a decline in primroses may be linked to increases in air pollution.
• Climate Change
  It is likely that Devon's climate will be affected by climate change in the coming decades. This may have an impact on the primrose population - but we do not yet know what sort of impact. Only by studying the present primrose population will we be able to monitor such change.