Why climate matters

Wildlife on the move
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Changing seasons and birds on the move

Ptarmigan, male moulting, Cairngorms National Park, Highlands

Mild winters are now the norm and spring seems to arrive earlier every year. The changes are easy to see on your doorstep.

Climate change won’t just bring new birds to our shores as the climate warms up, it could make some familiar birds disappear altogether from our countryside.

It’s in the high mountains and upland moors where birds like ring ouzels and red grouse live in fine balance with the cool, damp, wind-swept climate. Here, shifts in temperature and rainfall could bite first, and hardest.

Migrating birds are changing their entire way of life in order to adapt to our changing climate.

 

Birds on the move

Climate change won’t just bring new birds to our gardens, it could make some birds disappear altogether from our countryside. More...

Hoopoe on ground

Changing seasons - early springs and mild winters

With early hatching birds and early blooming spring flowers, spring starts earlier each year and winters seem much milder. The seasons are changing for everyone to see. More...

JohnCunninghamclimate

Forced to adapt - birds changing their habits

Birds are changing their migration patterns and the places they live. Greylag geese were quite scarce visitors to Orkney, but a greater proportion of the population is now stopping in Orkney rather than going on further south. More...

Alanleitchclimate

New arrivals and lost species

Birds and other wildlife are coming and going as the climate changes. The red-backed shrike has disappeared as a breeding bird, but species like dartford warblers are on the increase. Check out the profit and loss account at our famous Minsmere nature reserve. More...

Mel Kemp, Reserve Warden at RSPB Minsmere nature reserve