January 2007 Warmest For UK Since 1916 - No Frost Since October - Daily Express

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The Royal Horticultural Society confirmed most spring flowers are out from Yorkshire to Devon and Surrey – including rhododendrons, not normally seen until March. The biggest surprise this year has been a California lilac, or ceanothus, which was in bloom on New Year’s Day at Wisley, in Surrey. The pink and white petals of the hebe shrub are normally seen in late summer, when its flowers attract butterflies – yet there it was, happily blooming eight months early. Cherry blossom, traditionally a sign that spring is ready to move towards summer, is also beginning to bud.

Even insects and animals are confused. Butterflies and bats have been seen flying around at a time when they should still be hibernating. Gardeners report that slugs and snails have begun munching through borders months early. Spring lambs appeared on hillsides at New Year.

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John Lanyon, head gardener of Knightshayes House, near Tiverton, Devon, said the lawns have grown so thick a major cut is required – a full six weeks early. He said: “It’s amazing – it’s not like winter at all. It has certainly been the mildest January I have ever known. “We must be six or eight weeks ahead of things. We haven’t had a frost since October.”

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The first month of 2007 has been the second warmest January since records began. Only January in 1916 was milder. The Met Office has already predicted 2007 will be the hottest year ever.

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http://express.lineone.net/news_detail.html?sku=1136

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