What Happened To Winter

Climate change is having a devastating impact on wildlife here in Britain and all around the world. Those species of wildlife that turn white in winter to blend in now look out of place as the milder temperatures bring less snowfall.

In January very little or no snow fell in the Cairngorms National Park and the Peak District National Park both places are home to our native Mountain Hares that turn white during the winter months to avid their predators.

These special places provide a unique habitat which is home to many rare plants, birds and animals, creating a landscape like no other.

In the series of images below you can just make out a white Mountain Hare in the first image sticking out to the left amongst the green landscape. The other images once more show just how vulnerable these iconic mammals are when there is no snow.

Other unique wildlife native to the Cairngorms that are also having to adjust to the warmer temperatures this year are the Crested Tit and Red Squirrels. Both national parks are reporting numbers of all wildlife down this year, which is extremely alarming.

Change is happening fast, leaving wildlife very vulnerable to predators because of fast moving weather patterns. These parts of Britain are having to cope with unseasonal warm temperatures and little or no snow at present.

We must all do our bit to help with the issues climate change are posing to our world and those we share it with, before its too late. Let’s hope nature can adapt to the visual signs of climate change.