Big Cats Have Lion's Share of Longleat's Stunning Bluebell Display

Here comes the pride:  Conservation is a key part of the work for the Longleat team but there’s one area where the famous big cats have the lion’s share.

The Wiltshire estate’s most famous residents are enjoying a bumper crop of native bluebells slightly earlier than usual.

It is thought that more than half the world's bluebell population is found in the UK.

Darren Beasley, head of animal operations at Longleat, said: “They usually flower in mid-May so they are earlier than usual, this maybe as they thrive in moist soil and we have certainly seen above average rainfall. The carpet of wildflowers is a spectacular view for our visitors with the bonus seeing our pride of lions.

“The majority of native bluebells are found in old and ancient woodland and it’s important to us that we manage the land to support the species living here as well as supporting the field projects, breeding programmes and research in the UK and around the world for the endangered and rare animals we look after on the park.”