UPDATE: Welford Park staying open as planned despite battling ‘slug infestation’

UPDATE: The magnificent flower displays at Welford Park are in peril, says the estate.

Last year, the popular snowdrops at Welford Park lasted right through to March.

However, the park has recently witnessed epidemic levels of slug infestation — which ate through the park’s snowdrops in less than 30 hours.

“It has been uncommonly warm and one of the wettest Februarys on record,” said director at Welford Park, Deborah Puxley.

Mrs Puxley said the snowdrops were out “extraordinarily early” in January, but began noticing their petals had been nibbled on a few days ago.

She says she removed four slugs from just one bunch.

She added the frogs may have been washed away by high rainfall, which would normally prey on the slug population.

“We had some very sad visitors,” she added. “But nature takes away with one hand and gives with the other.”

The estate can proudly report its Hellebores are “at their best” and that Crocus, early Daffodils, Cyclamens, Petasites, Viburnums and Daphne are all “standing tall.”

It also confirmed the River Lambourn — one of the few chalk streams on earth — is looking “absolutely beautiful” and full.

Guests have enjoyed visiting the park regardless of the decline in snowdrops.

“We visited on Friday and although there weren’t a lot of snowdrops, the park was looking beautiful,” said Naomi Markham.

“The hellebores were looking fantastic and the birdsong was sublime.”

“Even though the snowdrops are beautiful, it meant spending more time seeing the rest of Welford Park,” added Amanda Taylor.

“(It is) truly a wonderful place. I can vouch for the hellebores and the tea tent.”

“(We) went last Sunday and even though there were not many snowdrops, it was still worth the visit,” said Lucy Brown.

The grounds still contain a whole host of wildlife, which will remain open to the public as planned until Sunday, March 3.