LIONS at Longleat are clearly enjoying the long-awaited spell of warm May weather which has carpeted their woodland home with a stunning display of wild garlic.

It is thought a prolonged spell of damp weather over the winter has resulted in a bumper crop of the distinctive white flowering bulbs this year.

A single woodland may be home to millions of wild garlic bulbs which begin flowering in April and May to take advantage of the spring sunlight before it is blocked out by overhanging trees.

The Wiltshire safari park’s ancient woods have been transformed over recent weeks with swathes of the white flowers which are wild relatives of chives.

Wild garlic gets its Latin name Allium ursinum from the fact its bulbs were often eaten by bears and it’s also a popular treat for wild boars; however it’s apparently less appealing to lions.

“Lions being renowned carnivores we haven’t spotted any of them taking a bite but I guess it would add a bit of spring seasoning to their meat dishes if they ever did decide to try it,” said Longleat’s Ian Turner.

“Large sections of their woodland areas are literally carpeted in white flowers and the smell can be quite overpowering.

“This has definitely been one of the most spectacular displays of wild garlic within the lion enclosures anyone here can remember,” he added.

Lions have been living at Longleat since 1966 when it became the first place outside of Africa to open a drive-through safari. Today it is home to two separate prides as well as cheetahs, tigers, giraffes, rhinos, zebras and monkeys.