Temperatures confusing wildlife

Temperatures were set to reach double figures today as a farm shop in Staffordshire reported the early appearance of hundreds of primroses.

Meanwhile, there have been reports of butterflies being seen out a full two months earlier than they normally emerge for spring.

Sightings of the Speckled Wood butterfly are being cited as further evidence that the mild winter is causing confusion for wildlife.

The butterfly would normally spend the winter as a caterpillar or pupae.

Primroses going on sale at the Canalside Farm Shop, in Great Haywood, near Stafford, is the latest example of flowers blooming early as a result of the mild temperatures, which were expected to reach 11C (52F) today.

The shop's owner Chris Barton, aged 56, is also anticipating an earlier start to their asparagus season in April, if the warm temperatures continue. He said: "Last year our main primrose crop did not flower before March, so it was amazing to see plants blooming shortly after Christmas.

"Obviously, we still have a way to go before April but if the winter remains on the mild side, we are also expecting an early asparagus season, with the first spears likely to be through in the first few days of April."

Britain has basked in unusually balmy temperatures during the past week. The country is on course for one of the mildest winters since records began 350 years ago.

Daffodils have also been blossoming early, with the buds of silver birch, oak and hazel trees bursting into flower.

Geraniums, hellebores, crocus and little pinks have also been seen well ahead of their normal arrival.

The average temperature from December 1 to January 15 has been 5.5C (42F), where the warmest winter in history, in 1868-69, topped that at 6.8C (44F).