How The Weather Has Affected Nature During 2009

The National Trust said the return of hot and dry periods in the summer, and even the colder winter at the beginning of the year, helped repair a lot of damage done over the previous two years.

Some creatures including the daddy-long-legs or cranefly and the cuckoo are continuing to struggle. This is likely to have a huge effect on bat numbers because they rely on the insect for food.

Painted lady butterflies were seen migrating in their millions and it was a good year for seven spot ladybirds. Other butterflies such as Purple emperor butterflies and some other types of insect saw their numbers soar.

Record levels of rain and resulting flooding in parts of the country in November will have damaged habitats and washed out wildlife.