In 2025, nature faced an unprecedented battle against extreme weather. A recent report highlights how wildlife, plants, and landscapes in the UK are struggling under these harsh conditions.
The year started and ended with storms, showing how unpredictable our climate has become. Spring and summer were unusually hot, leading to devastating heath and moorland fires. Autumn, however, brought heavy floods. Ben McCarthy, head of nature conservation at The National Trust, describes 2025 as a year defined by heat, drought, and fire—factors that placed immense stress on various habitats.
Drought years—especially 2018, 2022, and now 2025—have compounded the challenges for wildlife. McCarthy warns, “These are alarm signals we cannot ignore.” The cumulative effect is pushing many species toward the brink.
This year also saw severe fires, including a significant blaze in mid Wales. This fire scorched over 5,000 hectares of peatland, destroying homes for countless animals, from small mammals to various bird species. The impact of such fires will reverberate for decades.
Interestingly, while some species struggled, others like grey seals and carrion crows thrived. These “generalist” species adapted well, showcasing their resilience. But specialized species, such as oaks threatened by disease, have found it harder to cope.
Statistics reveal troubling declines: Arctic tern nests fell by 30% in Northumberland, and puffins dropped by a third on the Farne Islands. Unfortunately, the impact of heat isn’t limited to fires; it also affects breeding. For instance, ponds for breeding great crested newts in Lincolnshire dried up.
Even the plants are feeling the heat. Newly planted saplings faced losses of up to 40%. This kind of damage was typically expected to be around 10-15%. Some plants even bloomed at unusual times, such as holly in November or apple trees in the fall. This brings to light how seasons may be shifting in this changing climate.
Despite the challenges, initiatives like the “stage 0” project at Holnicote Estate on Exmoor show that with the right actions, recovery is possible. This effort created a lush wetland that supports species like water voles and great white egrets.
The message is clear: while some species adapt, others are in a steep decline. As McCarthy puts it, “Without joined-up, effective action, nature will continue to decline.” Urgency is key for maintaining the delicate balance of our ecosystems.
For more insights into the impact of climate change on wildlife, visit The National Trust.
