Crossword Genius

Part of spring is damper -- field to get cut occasionally (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

april

'part of spring' is the definition.
(April is a spring month)

'damper field to get cut occasionally' is the wordplay.
'to get cut occasionally' indicates alternate letters (letters removed at regular intervals or occasions).
'damper'+'field'='damperfield'
The alternate letters of 'damperfield' are 'APRIL'.

'is' is the link.

(Other definitions for april that I've seen before include "Traditionally showery month" , "Reputedly showery month" , "Month of showers and of the Queen's birthday" , "First month of the year with 30 days" , "''All in an ... evening / ... airs were abroad'' (by Katherine Tynan)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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