There’s something strange going on in the countryside, thanks to mild weather

The deep midwinter is traditionally the coldest, darkest and toughest time of year for our wildlife.

Except this year, the weather hasn’t read the script and has instead followed the example of 2013/14 – the warmest on record. Apart from the occasional snow flurry, the normal pattern has been for mild, blustery, wet conditions and the winter hasn’t been particularly cold, icebound or frosty - yet.

That could quickly change with a shift in wind direction, but the absence of normal winter conditions so far has lead to some strange things happening in the countryside.

It seems that some spring species normally hibernating at this time of year are emerging far earlier than expected.

Clumps of frogspawn have been seen in ponds, snowdrops are appearing weeks ahead of schedule and warm weather wildlife such as butterflies and ladybirds are being spotted.

Amphibians and reptiles are weather dependent and their day-to-day activities are governed by the climate.

Typically, frogs don’t emerge from hibernation until mid to late February, with toads a few weeks after that. But this year, things have been different.

Dr John Wilkinson from the Amphibians and Reptile Conservation Trust (ARC) explains: “Most amphibians are hibernating at this time of year, but frogs and newts can sometimes be seen under pond ice. The 2014-15 winter has so far been very mild and there have already been reports of frogspawn from Cornwall.”

Early spring plants make the most of a mild winter to flower earlier than normal. These are often woodland species that usually flower before the leaf canopy expands.

Plantlife botanical specialist Dr Trevor Dines said: “Despite the bleak outlook, a surprising range of plants can be found in flower at this time of year.

“There are reports of primrose, early dog violet, dog’s mercury and stinking hellebore already in flower, with bluebells in some woods already showing signs of growth. Some hazel is also in flower already – although the catkins are easily overlooked.

“The vast majority of plants remain tucked up tight for the winter. At this time of year, their strategy is to protect their growing points, or meristems, from the freezing cold.”

Annual plants do this by producing seed, perennials die down above ground but dormant buds can be found safe underground, either on roots or rhizomes (buried stems) – or as bulbs.

The Woodland Trust’s Nature’s Calendar project which charts the changes of the seasons has recorded snowdrops and lesser celandine flowering ahead of schedule, as well as records of early elder budburst.

Insects have been getting in on the act too. Wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation reported that peacock, red admiral, brimstone (pictured) and small tortoiseshell were seen in the first week of January. Seven-spot ladybirds have also been spotted.

Some plants depend on the cold of a typical take deep midwinter and flower at a time when there is little competition.

Plantlife’s Dr Dines explains: “Only a few of our native plants are actually programmed to flower now.

“The most flamboyant, and the one that brings most colour to our otherwise dull winter countryside, is common gorse.

“This shrub begins to bloom in late autumn and finishes with a triumphant flourish of flower in spring.”

Gorse is programmed to flower in the depths of winter but species that have emerged earlier than expected this year are running an almighty risk.

There are still weeks of winter to run and a turn in the weather could spell doom.