But a local nature expert and environmentalist is warning that this year’s fruit harvest could be a let-down as the insects that would normally be pollinating trees and plants are not yet fully out of hibernation.
Bob Tompkins, who writes the JEP’s weekly Nature Notes page, says because of the cold start to the year the natural cycle of plants is out of sync with those of honey bees and other insects.
‘You would expect plants and trees to come in sequence in their natural cycles but this year snowdrops were in bloom at the same time as forget-me-knots,’ he said.
‘Everything has been hit by the cold weather and all the blossom is being condensed into a shorter period which is just nature’s way of catching up.’
However, he added, with honey bees and other pollinating insects not yet up to speed with their natural cycles there are not enough out and about to feast on all the blossom.
‘There just aren’t the insects about at the moment to take full advantage of all the blossom so plants like sloe and apples trees will not be able to pollinate and produce a good crop of fruit in the autumn.’
