‘Everything is so out of whack’: UK trees experience spring six months early

The Guardian · Pippa Neill · 2026-11-06 11:00 UTC

Mild autumn temperatures causing premature flowering and raising concerns for pollinators, say experts

Trees are experiencing an “early spring” because of mild UK temperatures this autumn, with experts warning this could cause long-term harm to pollinators.

Last month was warmer than average across all parts of the UK, with October marking the ninth consecutive month with above-average mean temperatures.

Chris Nichols, the head of conservation outcomes at the Woodland Trust, said the mild weather this autumn meant horse chestnut trees were flowering and showing signs of next year’s spring growth more than six months early.

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