THIS time last year visitors to West Woods, near Marlborough, were met with the sight of a carpet of bluebells.

But the weather has taken its toll on the annual bluebell fiesta in Lockeridge because so few of the flowers have raised their heads above the ground following one of the coldest winters on record.

Every year areas of the wood not usually accessible to the public in cars are opened so visitors can enjoy the bluebells, but the Lions Club of Marlborough, which hosts the fundraiser, has been forced to postpone this year’s two Bluebell Sundays.

The first event had been scheduled for last Sunday.

Club president John Edmunds said: “We have been going down to West Woods to check the bluebells, but there are so few that we’ve had to change the date.

“There are bluebells near my house that usually come out before the ones in West Wood, but they’re only just starting to appear.”

Club members met this week to discuss whether the event could go ahead this Sunday, but decided to put it back for another week.

Mr Edmunds said: “It’s very disappointing because usually we have our first visit at the end of April.

“The bluebells are starting to appear now, but there’s not very many and they don’t have any colour. The warm weather should help.”

Usually the Lions open up the woods for two days of spring to raise money for the Lions Club Charity Fund, but they are unsure whether a second date will be possible this year.

Mr Edmunds said: “We were thinking about having it on a Saturday, but there aren’t many people about on Saturdays.

“We are looking at Sunday, May 19, but we don’t know whether the wood is available yet. The bluebells are only about for three weeks, so at the moment we’re not sure what the situation is.”

The Lions are planning to hold the first of their events on Sunday, May 12, between 10am and 5pm.

If this date is changed it will be publicised on the club’s website.

Visit www.marlboroughlions club.co.uk