By MICHAEL GOODIER
SPRING is starting an average of almost a week earlier in the UK than it used to because of rising temperatures - which could spell disaster for some UK wildlife. TheUKSpringIndex,publishedbythe Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC), is calculated from the average date of four biological events each year.
These are: the first flowering of hawthorn, the first flowering of horse chestnut, the first recorded flight of an orange-tip butterfly, and the first sighting of a swallow.
The date varies year on year - but since 1999 biological events in Spring have occurred around six days in advance of the average dates in the period 1891 to 1947.
There is a very strong link between the average temperature in March and April and the start of the season - with data showing that warmer temperatures lead to earlier Springs.
This can affect the natural balance in the UK, and may cause problems for life cycles if animals emerge out sync with their natural prey - such as pollinating insects emerging out of sync with flowers opening.
Separate research by scientists at the
University of Rothamsted published earlier this year found that bird, moth and butterfly species are emerging and laying eggs earlier as average temperatures have risen.
However, exactly how much earlier these events now start depends on where in the UK and in which habitat they occur.
The UK State of Nature Report published earlier this month found that climate change has already had the second largest impact (after agricultural change) on UK nature.
The UK’s kittiwake (a type of bird) population has declined by 70% since 1986 as climate change has reduced the availability of sandeels, a key food source in breeding season.
It also found that 48% of moth decline was due to climate change, as was 60% of aphid (an insect) increase.
The increase in aphids could also have knock on effects on the UK’s food production - causing prices to rise as young plants are blighted by the insects.
The report found that around 15% of species are now threatened with extinction from Great Britain.
Just over half of UK species have seen their numbers decline since 1970 - because of changing agriculturalisation, climate change, pollution, and urbanisation among other factors.
Commenting on the State of Nature report, Marcus Yeo, JNCC’s Chief Executive said: “We’re pleased to be able to work with the country nature conservation bodies and our NGO partners to provide best-available evidence that can be used by all to better understand how nature is changing across the UK.
“We recognise that the continuing declines in biodiversity require urgent action from across society.
This report also highlights success stories from which we can learn, and which should be celebrated. Conservation is successful when we all work together.”