Trees blooming late after big chill

Millions of Britain's trees are up to a month behind their usual leafing time because of the harsh winter, the coldest for 31 years.

Species such as the horse chestnut, birch, rowan, hazel, hawthorn and blackthorn would normally be in full bloom by now but many trees are still bare of leaves.

This time last year, the famous Chestnut Avenue in Bushy Park had verdant horse chestnuts. This week the same trees look forlorn by comparison.