Spring strikes back at Killerton

Following the recent good weather spring is finally taking hold at Killerton. The garden and surrounding countryside, after enduring a long winter, have quickly adjusted to the warmer weather almost overnight.  Gardeners and countryside team members have been stunned by the sudden appearance of spring flowers and abundance of wildlife in a burst of spring activity.

As a result of the sudden weather change, the swallows and house martins are finally back, and are even more active than normal. After months of little or no sightings, the sudden appearance of these birds have delighted staff, volunteers and visitors; especially as they are a definitive sign that spring has finally arrived.

Head Ranger at Killerton, Ed Nicholson, says: "‘The sudden change in the weather has meant that spring has taken a more dramatic hold. After months of cold and frost, the flora and fauna were as desperate for spring as we were. The colour has truly flourished in the gardens and the forests are looking as green as ever – it’s truly a stunning sight to see."

The most noticeable change to the landscape has been in the hillside garden, as an abundance of spring flowers and shrubs have been showing off their vivid colours. Azaleas, rhododendrons, magnolias and bluebells have all been spotted after a long hard winter and have created a colourful scene that proves Spring has finally sprung.