Wildlife left guessing by mild winter weather

The mild weather is set to continue but as temperature records are broken and the ice rinks melt, Devon Wildlife Trust is asking us to spare a thought for our local wildlife.

Winter is a tough time for wildlife. It is a time of hibernation, migration and survival. But with temperatures reaching 14 degrees in Exeter at the beginning of the week, Devon’s wildlife is not following its usual seasonal patterns.

The charity Devon Wildlife Trust is reporting some strange goings on at the 50 nature reserves it cares for across the county.

David Wodehouse who helps manage DWT’s Meeth Quarry nature reserve, near Holsworthy said:

“The primroses are out at Meeth, normally a sign that spring is on the way. We also have marsh ragwort and wild strawberries in flower and our bee hives are still active.”

Andrew Warren who has worked on The Trust’s reserves for more than ten years added:

“Many of our winter birds including robins and song thrushes have been very vocal. I’m almost expecting to start seeing them collect twigs ready for nesting!”

Birds do sing throughout winter but often in short bursts. The long songs being heard now suggest that these birds are thinking it might be time to find a mate and start breeding.

Devon Wildlife Trust has also been receiving reports that hibernating animals or those that normally lie dormant in the winter are being spotted out and about. Toads are one species that still seem to be very active this December. Some experts are concerned that this will have a knock on effect on toad numbers as female toads must go through a period of dormancy to develop their eggs ready for spawning in spring.

Sightings of hedgehogs are also being sent into the Trust with these prickly garden friends still being seen at people’s garden feeding stations. Hedgehogs normally go into hibernation around October or November.
Bats are another hibernating creature still on the move. East Devon based bat expert Sarah Butcher tweeted “Common pipistrelle bat hunting over Devon Wildlife Trust Bystock Pools this evening. Bizarre for the shortest day of the year!”

Pete Burgess, Devon Wildlife Trust’s Director of Development, Policy and Research said: “Our wildlife has evolved over millennia to cope with our climate. As weather patterns change at an unprecedented pace, we are entering a period of great uncertainty.

“It is unknown how our wildlife will cope with the recent mild weather. Everything has been delayed as if we are having an extended autumn, this is unlikely to have a significant long term effect unless it extends throughout the rest of the winter. If we have a mild spring followed by a cold snap, that’s when you can have more serious problems.”

Devon Wildlife Trust are asking members of the public to send in their unusual wildlife sightings via Twitter @DevonWildlife or Facebook. The Trust wants to get a clearer idea of the effect the weather is having on Devon’s Wildlife.

The charity advises that people help their local wildlife by providing a regular supply of fresh water and keeping birdfeeders topped up.

To find out more about Devon Wildlife Trust visit devonwildlifetrust.org