The triumphs and challenges of 2025 for region's wildlife

THE YEAR HAS SEEN NEW SPECIES DISCOVERED AND NEW METHODS OF LOOKING AFTER WILD SPACES

- By DEBORAH HALL

It has been another wild year for environmental charity the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust (YWT).

It has taken ownership of and found some new species on its reserves; introduced new and innovative methods of looking after wild spaces, and advocated for nature's protection.

A spokesperson for YWT said: "Our events and activities inspired hope; from wildlife gardens and beach cleans to guided walks to watch puffins, school children learning about curlews, fungi forays at our annual festival, and drystone walling and wild flower walks in the foothills of Ingleborough." While thousands of people have been able to witness Yorkshire's wildlife at its finest, many having been inspired to boost YWT's 45,000-strong membership, or its 1,000-strong body of volunteers, YWT has also faced its challenges - including the driest spring in the county for 132 years.

"This is a cause for concern for those of us caring for our wildlife and our nature reserves - particularly rare wetland habitats, which are at high risk from drying out and require preparation to adapt, restore and protect in a changing climate," said the spokesperson.

A collision between two ships in the Humber Estuary in March happened just offshore from the highly-protected Spurn Point nature reserve. "Although ill effects were ultimately concentrated much further down the coast in Lincolnshire, the sheer vulnerability of wild places like the Humber Estuary as one of the most important and highly protected in the UK, has never been more evident," the spokesperson said.

The YWT is planning its 80th "oak" anniversary in 2026 that will require and bring together committed collaboration to truly make a difference for Yorkshire's wildlife, and its home, and drive the change that nature needs. In the meantime, it has compiled a roundup of the highs and lows of the past year for Yorkshire's creatures and landscapes.

Oysters in the Humber