Seeing the Changes 571

Stuff seems to be coming out in a rush. In Loughor, Sulphur cinquefoil (Potentilla recta) and White stonecrop (Sedum album) were in flower. In Bynea, Cut-leaved cranesbill (Geranium dissectum), Smooth sow-thistle (Sonchus oleraceus), Field forgetmenot (Myosotis arvensis), Common field speedwell (Veronica persica) and Germander speedwell (Veronica chamaedryas) all made an appearance.

Ever Fewer-More Boring?

An analysis of 'tens of millions of observations from volunteers' over the last 50 years (http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2013/may/21/uk-species-struggling-wildlife) has confirmed that much of the UK's wildlife is in serious decline. Struggling species (60% of those analysed were showing serious declines) range from the Freshwater pearl mussel, a variety of insects (including the Garden tiger moth), Atlantic salmon, Hedgehogs, Greater horseshoe bats and Lesser spotted woodpeckers. That is not to mention the plants on which some of these animals (diestly or indirectly) rely! A few species (like the Red kite and the European otter) seem to be doing well, largely as a result of serious and continued conservation efforts over extended periods (including changes in the Law) but most of the endangered species suffer from habitat destruction, pollution and/or disturbance. The analysis largely blames intense agriculture (although others will argue that it is needed to feed increased human populations and to facilitate the production of some 'biofuels') but urbanisation (a process likely to be intensified by a drive to create millions of 'affordable homes') and climate change must also play roles. Even a greater human participation in 'outdoor activities' (needed for our health) including even studying natural history can make it more difficult for certain species. And don't start me on gardeners with their introduced alien species and the release of feral 'pets'!

Seeing the Changes 570

In Bynea, noted Silverweed (Potentilla anserina), Wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca) and Columbine (Aquilegia vulgaris) in bloom. A Drinker moth (Philudoria potatoria) munched. Yellow oxalis (Oxalis corniculata) was in flower in Loughor. We were also visited by a Cockchafer (Melolontha melolontha).

Seeing the Changes 569

Warmer and everything greener! Lilac (Syringa vulgaris), Thyme-leaved speedwell (Veronica serpyllifolia) and Common chickweed (Stellaria media) were all in flower in Bynea.

Seeing the Changes 568

Strange weather, with hot sunshine and hail stones. Also the first decent-sized moths of the year in Loughor. There was a freshly-emerged Brimstone (Opisthograptis luteolata) and a dedraggled Noctuid.

Seeing the Changes 567

In Loughor, the Cultivated (but feral) Apple (Malus domestica) was in flower and a lepidopteran larva charged across the road.

In the Backyard: Climate Change Special

Given the level of US opposition to the ideas of anthropogenic (human produced) climate change, it is somewhat ironic that the American village of Newtok in Alaska is on the verge of being washed away (www.guardian.co.uk/environment/interactive/2013/may/13/newtok-alaska-climate-change-refugees). It will be gone by 2017. It is even more remarkable that the event cannot even be ameliorated by monies from the US disasters fund which is reserved for hurricanes, earthquakes, bush fires, whirlwinds etc. Melting of the permafrost and the loss of land to increased volumes of water coming down rivers appear not to count at present.