Wetter weather triggers earliest bluebells blossom in decades
Rain, mild temperatures and spring sunshine produce a plethora of early blooms across the country
Spring weather conditions have caused Britain’s bluebells to bloom unusually early this year.
Rain and mild winter temperatures combined with a warm start to spring and a lack of early morning frosts have created prime conditions for the flowers.
The hottest day was recorded for the first half of April since 1946, when the temperature hit 26.6C (79.8F) on April 8 in Kew Gardens, south-west London.
The capital was hotter than Ibiza, Rome and Marrakech.
Residents in southern England have reported bluebells in their gardens two weeks earlier than the average date, April 9.
Edward Barham, the owner of Hole Park Gardens in Kent, said this year’s bluebell display had been “magnificent – probably one of the best of recent years”.
“This is certainly the earliest we have seen the bluebells come into flower, at least two weeks ahead of schedule, brought on by the very warm weather around Easter time,” he told BBC Weather.
Vivid early displays have also been reported at the nearby Great Comp Garden, in Kent. Williams Dyson, the curator at the seven-acre site, told The Guardian: “We are at least four weeks ahead of ourselves this year.
“The snowdrops were all in bloom ahead of time, followed by the daffodils waking up earlier than expected. And our magnificent display of magnolias, which we are rightfully famous for, have been blooming for the last couple of weeks.”
Tulips at Hampton Court Palace have also bloomed slightly earlier than expected.
Tim Upson, director of gardens and horticulture at the Royal Horticultural Society, said the cherry blossom display at Wisley, Surrey had already finished flowering a few weeks sooner than normal, while the tulip displays were nearing the end of their peak.
David Knott, the curator at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, said plants such as magnolias and rhododendrons that flower on the previous year’s growth were now blooming up to 14 days earlier than normal.
Spring is the fastest-warming season across the UK, with the average temperature having increased by 1.8C since 1970.
Research by the University of Cambridge found that plants were flowering a month earlier.
Experts have warned the trend could have serious consequences for wildlife and the ecosystem, as well as farmers and gardeners.
[Source: Daily Telegraph]
