A year of ‘traditional’ weather benefits wildlife

WILDLIFE in Britain has benefited following the first traditional year of weather for a generation, scientists have revealed.

The coldest winter for more than 30 years was followed by a delayed, sunny spring and warm, wet summer, which led to many species enjoying a bumper year, the National Trust said.

Despite 2010 starting and ending with much of the country swathed in snow, threatened species such as the puffin and the rare heath fritillary butterfly enjoyed successful breeding seasons.