The National Trust stated that wildlife was affected by wildfires, rain, and storms throughout the UK in 2021. This is the “new normal” due to climate change.
This past year was marked by severe events, often unseasonal weather conditions. Storm Arwen brought down thousands of trees in Britain and prompted fires.
Annual review by the National Trust of weather and wildlife for the year shows how climate change has affected landscapes and nature. Winners and losers are highlighted in this year’s National Trust annual Review.
Many orchids had a successful year, however, many butterflies experienced a difficult summer. There was also a decline in nesting activity at certain sites managed by the National Trust across England and Wales.
A dry March, and an April that was fourth driest ever since 1862 were the result of wildfires in two landscapes important to the National Trust: Marsden Moor in Yorkshire and Mourne Mountain in Northern Ireland.
The Mourne Mountains fire destroyed 200 ha (525 acres) and the Yorkshire Fire blaze burned through 520 ha (1,300 acres) both moorland and woodland, impacting threatened birds as well as destroying many plants.
The National Trust stated that a long period of dry weather, rainfall and erosion by sea caused a 300-metre high cliff to fall on Dorset’s coast in April. This was the longest cliff drop along the coastline in 60 years.
This charity has released its annual report, which highlights Storm Arwen’s destruction of thousands irreplaceable trees.
Beavers from Exmoor in West Somerset were the wildlife winners in 2021 (pictured), and their first kit was born on June 23rd, 2016.
A record number of grey seals is expected thanks to abundant fish and crabs to feed them
Storm Arwen brought an abrupt end to the autumn with good colour and a great show at Bodnant Gardens. It also uprooted many trees at Wallington in Northumberland.
Ben McCarthy, National Trust head for nature conservation and restoration ecology, stated: “Climate change has made certain forms of extreme weather events the new norm.”
“Heatwaves are increasing in frequency and intensity, as is heavy rain.
The UK’s wildfire and storm impacts, such as Arwen or Barra, are a clear example of how climate change is changing our landscapes.
Warnings were made by him that extreme events could put even greater pressure on Britain’s wildlife. The UK is already facing serious problems with half of its species being in decline, and only 15% of them are at imminent risk of extinction.
He said, “Our natural heritage is what makes Britain unique, and all of us must do our bit to preserve it,” and that conserving and improving nature’s habitats would help support larger population levels, which could be better equipped to adapt to climate change.
In 2021 orchids were among the top wildlife prize winners, including good display by pyramidal orchids in Rodborough Common in Gloucestershire’s June and bee orchids in Dorset’s Golden Cap estate.
According to Butterfly Conservation, 60% of butterflies were recorded in lower numbers in 2019 than they were in 2020.
National Trust noted that butterflies emerged later in the cool spring, and in lower numbers at some sites in New Forest. The numbers also decreased in Somerset (and Gloucestershire) for the reintroduced large Blue butterfly.
However, purple emperors could be seen in Anglesey Abbey (Cambridgeshire) and Sheringham Park (Norfolk), where they colonised for the first-time in 2017 while Zora Silvestris, an endangered spider was found at Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire.
The nesting attempt of bird species, from Barn Owls at Mount Stewart in Northern Ireland to Blakeney Freshes and lapwings in Norfolk, were affected by a cold April.
The year was mixed for the terns with many species of seabirds doing well and poorly at various locations depending on local circumstances.
The number of Arctic terns increased at Long Nanny, Northumberland. However, 24-hour guards were reinstated to protect them from predators. Little terns became extinct at Blakeney Point. They also enjoyed plentiful food and a low level of disturbance.
The late frosts of April and May, particularly in Northern England, harmed apple blossoms and damaged the harvest. However, a hot, dry autumn and few frosts made it a record year for grassland mushrooms such as waxcaps.