Experts said populations in Northumberland had been boosted by the long, hard winter.

BBC: Study shows Kielder Forest bats thriving

But, as Australia themselves have shown, those long, hard winter tours can be made the exception rather than the rule.

BBC: Duncan Fletcher

Spring marks the peak selling season for home improvement retailers with home construction and rebuilding activity picking up after the long, hard winter.

FORBES: Why Home Depot And Lowe's Sales Will Heat Up In 2013