Daisies and dandelions are among hundreds of native plant species blooming across the UK, in what scientists have described as a “visible signal” of climate breakdown ravaging the natural world.
Meteorological data analysis from annual New Year's plant hunt Over the past nine years, an additional 2.5 species have been found to flower during the New Year period for every 1°C increase in temperature at a given location in November and December of the previous year. This year the hunt began on Thursday and will continue until Sunday.
In 2025, citizen scientists recorded 310 native plant species in flower, which according to the Botanical Society of Great Britain and Ireland (BSBI), is well above the 10 species they would normally expect at this time of year. Taking into account alien species, 646 flowering species were counted.
Kevin Walker, a scientist at BSBI, said it was a “visible signal” of climate change that people could see in their gardens.
“This new analysis shows a very clear link between rising temperatures and impacts on our plant species,” Walker said. “This is further evidence that climate change is indiscriminately affecting our wildlife.”
The first results for 2026 show that common wildflowers such as daisies and dandelions on the native plant list are suddenly blooming. The non-native list includes species such as Mexican flea beetle and white and red nettles.
Fossil fuel pollution has warmed the planet by an average of about 1.4°C above pre-industrial levels, exacerbating extreme weather conditions and destroying habitats. Last week the Met Office reported that 2025 is likely to be the UK's hottest year on record.
Debbie Hemming, a vegetation expert at the Met Office, said it was “tangible evidence” that climate change was directly affecting the world around us.
“These results highlight how rising temperatures and increasing climate extremes are altering the natural cycles of our plants and wildlife,” she said.
