A mild, wet year has significantly influenced the landscapes and wildlife of the UK, especially following the scorching drought of 2022. While many species are flourishing due to the favorable conditions, some have experienced setbacks, according to the National Trust.
Among the success stories this year is the heather at Dunwich Heath, located in East Anglia. Following severe losses—up to 60%—during the extreme heat of 2022, the heather has made impressive gains. A drone survey conducted in June revealed 11% of the damaged heathland heather has reestablished itself thanks to spring rainfall. John Deakin, head of trees and woodland at the National Trust, noted, "You can see species like the heather really taking off due to the weather conditions this year." This rejuvenation has brought back species such as nightjars, woodlarks, and adders, which rely on heather for habitat.
The rainfall has not only benefited the heather but has also helped older trees become healthier. Deakin reported, "Older trees looked much healthier this year due to high levels of rainfall." The temperate rainforests managed by the National Trust appeared more vibrant, and newly planted trees, which are usually vulnerable to drought, experienced a remarkable 90% survival rate compared to losses of 40-50% during the previous two years. The trees displayed beautiful autumn colors, retaining their leaves well past November due to the lack of frost and ample water supply.
Spring rainfall also provided assistance to ash trees fighting against ash dieback disease, as the moisture reinvigorated struggling trees. On the wildlife front, grey seals achieved a milestone as they established their first colony at Orford Ness. This development exemplifies the recovery of the species, prompted by low disturbance levels at the remote breeding site.
Small mammals also benefited from the wet conditions; Mottisfont, Hampshire, saw field voles thrive, providing ample food for predatory birds like barn owls, kestrels, and tawny owls. Wetland restoration projects at Holnicote dramatically improved conditions, resulting in dense populations of water voles, which also contributed to higher kestrel and barn owl numbers.
Despite these encouraging reports, many species have not fared as well. The wet and cool spring had adverse effects on insect populations, particularly butterflies. The National Trust noted, "Butterflies were almost completely absent at Barrington Court until late August," indicating drastic drops from previous years. Throughout the UK, butterfly numbers were reported as half of normal levels at the Giant’s Causeway and at their lowest point in 15 years during peak weeks at Wicken Fen.
Bees also struggled, contributing to reduced pollination across numerous National Trust properties. Although the bilberry bumblebee was spotted again due to successful conservation efforts restoring old hay meadows, many other bee populations declined. Toads and their offspring faced challenges as breeding cycles were delayed. At Formby, for example, there was little evidence of natterjack toadlets, with late breeding leading to increased risks of losing spawn to high winds.
The transition to discussing bats highlights another somber story. The National Trust reported considerable reductions of bat numbers due to increased rainfall creating fewer feeding opportunities. Roosts indicated significant drops compared to the prior year as fewer insects were available for these nocturnal hunters.
Wading birds such as avocets, lapwings, and redshanks also experienced disappointing breeding seasons, with curlews on the Ysbyty Estate witnessing multiple unfortunate chick deaths due to exposure or starvation. Even seabird populations told mixed tales; Arctic terns were lower than last year yet exceeded expectations on some fronts, reflecting inconsistent impacts of weather patterns.
Outside direct wildlife impacts, the weather's knock-on effects influenced broader ecosystems. Great crested newts exhibited mating displays unusually early this year—January—linked to the mildness of the winter, and slug and snail populations boomed as well. Interestingly, frogspawn appeared unusually early at Lizard, typically observed starting from March but appearing as early as October this year.
No clear conclusions can be drawn due to the eclectic range of outcomes resulting from the year's weather conditions. While some species and habitats experienced notable recoveries, others faced distinct challenges stemming from the damp, cool environment. The unpredictable impact of weather events highlights the complexity of ecosystems and their vulnerabilities, underscoring the importance of adaptive conservation strategies moving forward.
