Rain 'almost apocalyptic' for wildlife
The National Trust has described the UK's recent rainy weather as being "almost apocalyptic" for some wildlife so far this year, with many bees, bats, birds and butterflies struggling to cope.
The breeding season has been particularly bad, with sea birds being blown off cliffs by gales and garden birds unable to find food for their young. Relentless wet weather has devastated puffin colonies on the Farne Islands, managed by the National Trust, with 90% of burrows lost on Brownsman Island.
Bats have been hit by the cold conditions, particularly lesser and greater horseshoe bats, leading to a slow-down of pregnancies and the risk of underweight newborns, and the heavy rain has left butterflies, bees, bumblebees, overflies and moths scarce this summer.
However, it is not all bad news. The National Trust pointed out that slugs, snails and amphibians have all benefited from the wettest April-June on record.
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
