A shimmering carpet of delicate purple will spread through our woodlands earlier than usual after a mild February and the driest March for 40 years. The bluebell season is likely to be spectacular and could peak in southern England over the Easter holidays, says Matthew Oates of the National Trust.
Half the world's bluebells can be found in Britain and this year the National Trust is setting up an interactive map so people can record their own sightings and discover where to see them. The Trust wants the public to tweet the first part of their postcode and the hashtag #bluebellwatch to populate its map with sightings and photos.
"An absence of frost in the mild February and March months sped up the flowering process of the bluebell, though a bit of rain will speed them up further," says Oates. "Away from the south of England and further north, on high ground and on north-facing slopes, the flowering will be later."
Is the red squirrel the best mascot for Britain?
Prince Charles wants the endangered red squirrel to become our national mascot. Ben Fogle told the Radio Times he would prefer the fox while Kate Humble picked the spiny seahorse.
What creature would you choose? The sleepy dormouse? The majestic stag? Or the crafty brown rat? Let us know your suggestions and reasons why at g2feedback@guardian.co.uk
