Spring is late at field of hope

A LONE daffodil signals a late spring for the “Field of Hope” at a Warrington garden centre.
It was expected that the field at Windy Bank Wood – part of Bents Garden and Home at Glazebury – would be in full bloom by now.
But the cold weather has had a big impact on the field of bulbs planted at the centre last autumn to commemorate its fundraising work for Marie Curie Cancer Care.
Only a handful of flowers have appeared – but all is not lost.
It is expected that all the daffodils will still make an appearance before spring is over.
Managing director Matthew Bent said: “It has been the coldest January for over two decades, which has pushed back the start of spring. But it’s starting to warm up now so we should be in for a fantastic late show and we are hoping our daffodils will still make a star appearance.”
After two years of damp summers followed by a cold, wet winter nature has started to respond. Another example of its impact on the environment is the late emergence of insects which, in turn deprives birds of food to feed their young.
Mr Bent said: “It is important that we are aware of the changes that are taking place as we need to adapt the way we support nature in our own environments. The lack of insects demonstrates just how important it is to continue to feed the birds in the garden, not just in winter, but throughout the year.”
As the weather remains unpredictable it is important to help nature respond in the best possible way and Bents is keen to encourage its customers to make their gardens welcoming environments for British wildlife.
They have an extensive range of products from bug, bat and bumble bee boxes, to butterfly and moth habitats, toad and frog homes to ladybird towers – all designed to help encourage wildlife into the garden.