European wildlife set to colonise the UK

Exciting time for wildlife if we make positive changes now, according to top conservationist

19th November, 2009

The UK could lose iconic species including bluebells and dormice within 50 years due to climate change according to The Wildlife Trusts.

Brian Eversham has studied the impacts of climate change on wildlife extensively. And he predicts that despite some losses, the UK could see new and exciting species, such as the spoonbill, colonising – as long as we provide the right linked habitats.

In the winter issue of Natural World, The Wildlife Trusts’ members’ magazine, Brian, who is chief executive for Beds, Cambs, Northants and Peterborough (BCNP) Wildlife Trust, reveals how climate change could affect UK wildlife.

“We cannot be sure of the winners and losers in a changing climate, but a rule of thumb is that species currently found in the warmer, drier south and east of Britain are likely to try to expand their range, and those found in the cooler north, west and uplands will retreat.”

Although some species will inevitably decrease in number or be lost, The Wildlife Trusts are working to transform the UK into ‘A Living Landscape’, where there are suitable habitats for new species to colonise, and to thrive. This involves working with landowners, partners and businesses to achieve benefits for wildlife in urban areas and the wider countryside, creating, restoring and reconnecting habitats, as well as safeguarding protected areas like nature reserves. The Wildlife Trusts believe this is the only way to truly secure a truly sustainable future for wildlife.

“About 80 percent of UK species are southern, and only 20 percent northern so, if the landscape allows them to move, the majority may do well. And many which currently live in France or southern Europe may colonise for the first time.” Brian says.

With warmer and wetter winters predicted, species which hibernate, such as the native dormouse, may struggle. But if the UK’s wetland habitats are restored and reconnected, birds like the spoonbill and cattle egret may become much more abundant and those such as the bluethroat and little bittern may colonise for the first time.

Upland habitats are predicted to shrink, meaning species such as the mountain hare may struggle. But if the UK’s dry grasslands and heathlands are managed correctly, and expanded and connected, plants such as the loose-flowered orchid (Orchis laxiflora) or the violet limodore (Limodorus abortivus) may colonise for the first time. We may also see the arrival of insects such as the large conehead (Ruspolia nitidula) which could provide food for birds like the red-backed or woodchat shrikes. The colourful wasp spider may continue to expand its range.

“There’s never been a more exciting time to watch wildlife.” Says Brian, but he points out how vital it is for the UK’s landscape to be managed in the right way to see positive change. “Some species will be travelling long distances due to a changing climate. But many cannot cross hostile countryside. For these, a network of ‘wildlife highways’ may be their only hope.”

The Wildlife Trusts have produced a short film featuring Brian Eversham, who talks us through the some potential impacts of climate change on the UK’s wildlife. Watch it here: www.youtube.com/thewildlifetrusts

Read more in the winter 2009 issue of Natural World – out now, or visit www.wildlifetrusts/alivinglandscape to find out about The Wildlife Trusts’ vision for A Living Landscape.

Story by RSWT

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Image credit: spoonbill by Roger Tidman

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