UK Wildlife 2024: Seals Up, Butterflies Down Amid Extreme Weathe

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The UK's wildlife faced significant challenges in 2024 as extreme weather continued to reshape natural habitats.

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Scientists warn that 2025 could be the hottest year on record. Analysis shows that climate change added 41 days of dangerous heat across 2024.

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Grey seals established their first colony in Suffolk at Orford Ness, with the seals choosing this remote location due to the low risk of disturbance

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From thriving seal colonies to struggling butterfly populations, the year's weather patterns created clear winners and losers in the natural world.

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The 26 out of 29 studied weather events in the UK have reported to be intensified by climate change.

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At Dunwich Heath in Suffolk, drone surveys revealed an 11% regeneration of heathland damaged by the 2022 drought

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Keith Jones, Climate Change Advisor at the National Trust, notes: "Our unpredictable weather is resulting in confusion for our wildlife and the slow loss of what once were 'predictable' seasons."

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Historic properties faced serious challenges. Avebury Manor in Wiltshire experienced its first flood in 300 years following a series of winter storms

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For those keen on witnessing these changes, the National Trust maintains several accessible sites, including Sheffield Park and Petworth House.

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