Staff at Downham Country Store are wondering if this is the same hen who hatched all seven of the eggs she produced last year in another part of the centre, on the ground near the sleepers.

"I'm fairly certain she's the same one. We've lived in the country all our lives and you take notice of tiny little things, like the feathers and the way they are," said farmer Barry Glover, whose son and daughter-in-law, Tim and Julie Glover, run the garden centre.

"I was surprised to see her here again though and when she was away from the nest feeding, I had a quick look and counted 14 eggs, so there could be a few more little chicks wandering around this year," he said, adding that he and his wife sometimes help out at the centre.

There is a notice to warn people about the duck and her unusual choice of nest location, but it still catches some people unawares and several even ask if the duck is real.

"One woman reached over and wanted a closer look at a plant so she picked up the pot it was in, but the duck wouldn't let her put it back again.

"She had to put it on the floor and walk away.

"It's lovely to see the children's faces. They are all delighted by it and they are the ones who tell everyone else to be quiet," said Mr Glover.

"Last year she sat on the eggs for four weeks and two days and so far this year she's been on them for two weeks, so in another two weeks we could be seeing the chicks.

"She's right in the middle of the garden display area and doesn't seem a bit bothered by all the people who walk by and I dare say some never even realised she was there."