BTO Press release The latest report by the Rare Breeding Birds Panel, published today, reveals four species of birds of prey, including Osprey, have reached record totals in the UK, as have several species of rare and colonising heron. However, two species of rare breeding bird failed to breed for the second year in succession....
In contrast to last February’s three named storms in a week, this month was dominated by persistent high atmospheric pressure. As a result, there was measureable rain in Formby on only three days. The Met Office tells us it was the driest February in England since 1993, some places registering only 1.6 mm since 15th January. Most UK rivers are running well below normal levels, meaning less water for agriculture, water-supply and nature.
The Met Office tells us that January was marginally warmer than usual with roughly average rainfall. No records were set, which certainly makes a change. It rained in Formby on about 13 days, though the second half of the month was dry. Gales in mid-month were followed by a cold spell but no snow.
Two cold snaps early in the month were followed by much milder, damp weather, 15 days of measurable rain leading to a 20cm (8 inches) rise in the sand-dune water-table. Nevertheless, we had slightly less than normal rainfall for the month. The Met Office reported that December was the only month of 2022 with below...