Blackdown Hills

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Bluebell Woodlands: The progressively earlier emergence of the tree canopy leaves combined with the earlier flowering of the deep shade mid summer woodland plants such as bracken and bramble will act to squeeze the relatively short flowering season for the bluebells and other vernal species such as wood anemone and ramsons, until eventually they disappear. Somerset's lowland bluebell carpets will be the first to go. Other ancient woodland indicator species such as yellow archangel and herb paris are also under threat because of their poor dispersal characteristics.

Veteran Trees: Drier summers, wetter winters and more frequent storm events could see us losing more of our veteran/ancient trees. Unstable soils and high winds could lead to a large number being felled. Veteran trees, as well as being important themselves, provide a vital habitat for many rare birds and insects.

Beech Trees: Drier summers and stormier weather could also have a negative impact on beech trees. Their shallow roots make them more vulnerable to drought and less stable in extreme weather events.