Extended cold weather snap could be damning for wildlife this spring

Extended cold weather snap could be damning for wildlife this spring - Woodland Trust

The brimstone butterfly is one of many insects that have emerged early this season (Credit: WTML)

The recent cold weather spell across the UK following a mild winter could have a detrimental effect on our wildlife says Woodland Trust.

From insects to frogs, birds and bees, the UKs wildlife may struggle this spring after a mild start to the year was followed by the coldest April night in 70 years and snowstorms across the country.

Butterflies such as brimstones, red admirals and peacocks, along with ladybirds and red-tailed bumblebees have all been recorded on the Trust’s Nature’s Calendar database after emerging earlier due to a mild spring.

Many of these animals may struggle to survive if the current wintery weather continues, and with less pollinators around and extended snow, species like willow and blackthorn, which are flowering now may struggle to thrive this year.

Nature’s Calendar is a citizen science project which collates seasonal sightings from members of the public to help track the effects that the weather and climate change has on nature.

Lorienne Whittle, Citizen Science Officer for the charity’s Natures Calendar project said:

“We’ve had record-breakingly early springs in recent years and 2022 was largely following a similar mild pattern, until the recent cold weather. Nature’s Calendar records have shown than many insects have awoken and we’ve all enjoyed these spring sights on the sunnier days through March.

“However, insects struggle in sub-zero temperatures, for example bees won’t fly in snow or very wet conditions. Last year we had incredibly late frosts at the end of April, which caught out a lot of gardeners as well as having a negative impact on trees like oak and apple trees, which flower around then. We’ll be keeping a keen eye on the Nature’s Calendar records through the rest of spring to see how this season pans out.