Bucks Wildlife Trust warns climate could cause some species to become extinct
The Wildlife Trust says, “it is undeniable that 2024 was a difficult year”
The Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) is warning a wetter, warmer and 'unpredictable' climate could cause some species to become extinct in its nature reserves.
The Wildlife Trust says, “it is undeniable that 2024 was a difficult year for our native wildlife. Invertebrates including butterflies suffered from poor spring weather, and ongoing issues such as atmospheric pollution and agricultural pesticides likely added to the challenges.”
"Sadly we really could lose them”
Andy Coulson-Philips, 51, Principal Ecologist at the Wildlife Trust, said: “It’s swings and roundabouts as it's not always the same for every sort of species or groups of species.
“So, the wet and damp weather meant last spring was a very good growing season for some of the plants.
“Things that have grass as their main food, such as voles and small mammals are prey to barn owls. So, if they have a good year and the populations are high then barn owls are able to get more successfully fledged chicks.
“That's what happened at our Chimney Meadows reserve last year as we had a bounce back in barn owl numbers.
However, Mr Coulson-Philips also warns that unpredictable and extreme weather could be 'catastrophic' for some species at its nature reserves.
He said: “If we have warmer winters and they're not able to adapt fast enough to change their life cycle to cope with being awake more during the winter, then sadly we really could lose them”.
'Most enjoyable bird transect surveys I have undertaken in my 16 years at BBOWT'
BBOWT’s 2024 Reserves Surveying Programme still revealed many encouraging local wildlife ‘successes’.
The data collected by over 100 volunteers and staff will continue to help inform the Trust’s habitat management work, enabling it to monitor and safeguard populations.
Senior Ecologist, Colin Williams, said: “I conducted a bird transect survey at Gallows Bridge Farm on the Upper Ray, when the site was in flood due to the torrential rain associated with Storm Bert.
“With large areas of floodwater, the site was in perfect condition for wintering waders and wildfowl. I watched a very active peregrine falcon harassing a mixed flock of 1500 lapwing and 800 golden plover. The latter caught the low winter sun as they outmanoeuvred their aerial predator.
“As I continued on my way, numerous snipe were flushed from the wet grassland meadows. From the shelter of a dense hedgerow, I was able to count a vast raft of wildfowl loafing in the flooded meadow – 800 wigeon, 22 shoveler, 48 teal and 12 pintail.
“It was one of the most enjoyable and productive bird transect surveys I have undertaken in my 16 years at BBOWT.”