Climate Change Could Be Harming Wildlife Right Now – Here’s How You Can Help Before Easter Monday

The Woodland Trust urges public to record signs of spring before it’s too late

The Woodland Trust is calling on people across the UK to step outside and record key signs of spring before its campaign ends on Easter Monday, warning that climate change is having a real impact on wildlife right now – not just in far-off places.

The UK’s largest conservation charity is tracking three specific indicators to help monitor nature’s response to changing weather patterns: frogspawn, blackthorn blossom and the song of the song thrush.

Thousands have already taken part by visiting woodlandtrust.org.uk/vitalsigns, with more joining daily as spring sunshine encourages nature lovers and families into gardens, parks and countryside.

“Recording any of these three vital signs is a lovely way to spend time in nature this spring, while also giving our research team valuable insights,” explained Dr Kate Lewthwaite, citizen science manager at the Woodland Trust.

Why It Matters

Seasonal shifts in temperature can disrupt natural cycles and food chains. According to the Trust, spring now arrives around nine days earlier on average than it did in the early 20th century, and that change could be “disastrous” for wildlife.

“Frogs only reproduce once a year, so if the weather warms too early, they can be tricked into mating too soon and the frogspawn may not survive a sudden cold snap,” said Kate.

“Blackthorn blossom is a vital, early nectar source for insects so it’s great to see it spreading across the UK.”

Early results show frogspawn has followed its traditional pattern of appearing first in the southwest, then moving up through Wales, northern England and Scotland, before reaching the east of England – a promising sign that fewer frogs were caught out by unseasonal weather this year.

Not Just Icebergs and Polar Bears

Kate said the response to the campaign has been overwhelming, but stressed the importance of continuing to gather data until the end of the campaign on Monday 21st April.

“Climate change is not just icebergs and polar bears. It’s happening in your garden and outside your window. It’s impacting the birds, animals and flowers we all know and love.”

“Citizen science projects like this one are an essential tool in the fight against climate change. Everyone who records any of our three vital signs of spring is making a difference and helping us gather valuable evidence to show what is happening to our planet.”

Where to Go for a Spring Walk

If you’re looking for inspiration on where to head out and spot signs of spring in Cornwall, check out our guide to Cornwall’s best woodland walks for an enchanting day out.

Still Time to Take Part

The Trust is encouraging anyone interested to visit woodlandtrust.org.uk/vitalsigns and log any sightings of frogspawn, blackthorn blooms or the song of the thrush before the end of Monday 21st April.

“Just pop outside and hunt for blackthorn blooms, scour your local ponds and streams for frogspawn and keep your ears open for the sound of a song thrush singing.”