Earlier signs of spring are becoming the new norm, Woodland Trust says ( www.independent.co.uk )

Earlier sightings of the signs of spring – from the first leaves on trees to early butterflies – could be the new norm as the climate changes, conservationists said.

The Woodland Trust runs the Nature’s Calendar citizen science scheme, which gathers sightings of the signs of the seasons from the public.

It says reports of leafing on trees and certain butterflies have come early this year, and there is a general trend of earlier springs.

One of the first trees to come into leaf is the elder tree and for the last five years, records of first leafing collected by members of the public have been earlier than the 20-year average by four to 16 days, the charity said.

This year, which saw the warmest February on record for England and Wales, seems to be following suit, according to the Woodland Trust.