WOODS around Wiltshire are carpeted in flowers as the mild start to 2015 has heralded an early start to the bluebell season.

The beautiful but delicate plants are particularly abundant at the moment in Erlestoke Woods, Erlestoke near Devizes and were captured in their fall glory by Gazette photographer Diane Vose.

The National Trust says the coming bluebell season is on course to be one of the most spectacular in years.

After the mildest February in nearly a decade and the driest March for 40 years, the woodland spring flowers are starting to bloom a couple of weeks earlier than usual.

Early displays are in sharp contrast to 2010 when bluebells emerged three weeks late in parts of the country.

Matthew Oates, of the National Trust, said: "An absence of frost in the mild February and March months sped up the flowering process of the bluebell, though a bit of rain will speed them up further."

"The bluebell starts growing in January with its sole purpose to flower before the other woodland plants which have this year stalled because of the dry weather.

"This means that the bluebell is relatively free from competition and attracts the early spring pollinators.

The National Trust has created the first interactive Bluebell Watch map at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bluebellwatch to help keep people posted about when the flowers are at their best.

Ian Wright, gardens adviser at the National Trust, said: "Bluebells are true heralds of spring and are a key part of our natural heritage and those winter blues seem to melt away when bluebells are mentioned.

"The Bluebell Watch map will help us build up a clearer picture in real time of how bluebells are spreading across the country and will be a useful tool for anyone wanting to see these majestic carpets of blue stretching off into the distance."

Wildlife broadcaster Simon King said: "Walking in the woods when bluebells are out has to be one of life's most pleasurable experiences and now anyone can find their nearest bluebell wood by using VisitWoods.org.uk."

Erlestoke Woods and surrounding countryside has long been applauded for its beauty. Writing in 1814, John Britton said: "Few spots in England present such a series of sylvan beauties."

Other places to see the bluebells at their best in the county include West Woods near Marlborough and Drews Pond in Devizes. Bluebell Sundays are to be held in West Woods this Sunday (3) and May 10.