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'Spring is new summer' - report 'Spring is new summer' - report
(20 minutes later)
Two events in nature that usually herald the beginning of summer have started already, say researchers looking into reports from the public.Two events in nature that usually herald the beginning of summer have started already, say researchers looking into reports from the public.
The blossoming of hawthorn and return of migrating swifts - usually in May - have prompted the Woodland Trust to declare "spring is the new summer".The blossoming of hawthorn and return of migrating swifts - usually in May - have prompted the Woodland Trust to declare "spring is the new summer".
The trust has been analysing reports from members of the public taking part in the BBC Springwatch survey.The trust has been analysing reports from members of the public taking part in the BBC Springwatch survey.
It said it showed how climate change was affecting wildlife and seasons.It said it showed how climate change was affecting wildlife and seasons.
The return of the swift from warmer countries, usually expected in mid May, could mean summer has come early, said environment correspondent Sarah Mukherjee.The return of the swift from warmer countries, usually expected in mid May, could mean summer has come early, said environment correspondent Sarah Mukherjee.
Swifts have already been seen across the south east of the UK in the last few days.Swifts have already been seen across the south east of the UK in the last few days.
'Exceptionally mild''Exceptionally mild'
The flowering of hawthorn , normally around the middle of next month, is considered to signify the start of summer.The flowering of hawthorn , normally around the middle of next month, is considered to signify the start of summer.
Dr Kate Lewthwaite of the Woodland Trust said: "Thanks to the exceptionally mild start to the year we are experiencing, this summer signal is arriving three weeks earlier than the 11 May average."Dr Kate Lewthwaite of the Woodland Trust said: "Thanks to the exceptionally mild start to the year we are experiencing, this summer signal is arriving three weeks earlier than the 11 May average."
Swifts usually return from migration around 10 May when temperatures are slightly milder.Swifts usually return from migration around 10 May when temperatures are slightly milder.
Dr Lewthwaite added the timing of the seasons was changing, with the mild winter and warm spring contributing to warmer than average temperatures.Dr Lewthwaite added the timing of the seasons was changing, with the mild winter and warm spring contributing to warmer than average temperatures.
"It is an example of how climate change is affecting our wildlife and seasons.""It is an example of how climate change is affecting our wildlife and seasons."
Springwatch - a survey into the arrival of spring - asks members of the public to record the first sightings of the year of six species - frog spawn, seven-spot ladybird, red-tailed bumblebee, peacock butterfly, flowering hawthorn and swifts.Springwatch - a survey into the arrival of spring - asks members of the public to record the first sightings of the year of six species - frog spawn, seven-spot ladybird, red-tailed bumblebee, peacock butterfly, flowering hawthorn and swifts.
Experts at the Woodland Trust said the sightings of hawthorn flowering were accurate and had been verified.Experts at the Woodland Trust said the sightings of hawthorn flowering were accurate and had been verified.


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