The winters of 1947 and 1963

[Adam Bimpson]

Sorry to be a wet blanket, but this cold spell will have serious implications for all our wildlife. Last years spell of cold weather has already reduced some dartford Warbler populations by over 80%. With a major decline in many bird populations already will documented, another source of pressure will only add to the problems.

It is not just birds there are concerns about over wintering bees (see Freezing temperatures could cause mass bee die-off).

Sorry for reality check but....

Adam

[ChrisJB]

On the beeb website today they were comparing the current cold snap with the colossus of 1963. This one is nowt compared to that (or 1979 or 1981- so far anyway). In 1963 punishing frost lasted from December to March and saw real prolonged periods (weeks) where night or day temps never made it above zero. It was the second coldest winter ever recorded, beaten only by the winter of 1739-1740.
1947 intrigues me most of all, the snowiest winter ever recorded, though penetrating frosts were present as well (28th Jan' saw minus 23 degrees C in Luton for example). February that year was the coldest since records began. Amazingly, snow fell somewhere in Britain on every single day from 22nd Jan' to 17th March. What makes 1947 the worst of all is a combination of temperatures down to the minus twenties and tremendous falls of drifting snow.
As I boy, I used to listen transfixed to my grandma's and granddad's tales of the winter of 1947, when drifts were so big, they could climb up them into upstairs windows.
For further info on the winters of 1947, 1963 and 1979 read 'Frozen In Time' by Ian McCaskill and Paul Hudson.

Regards, Chris

[Picidae]

Originally Posted by Adam Bimpson

Sorry to be a wet blanket, but this cold spell will have serious implications for all our wildlife. Last years spell of cold weather has already reduced some dartford Warbler populations by over 80%. With a major decline in many bird populations already will documented, another source of pressure will only add to the problems.

It is not just birds there are concerns about over wintering bees (see Freezing temperatures could cause mass bee die-off).

Sorry for reality check but....

Adam

Good post Adam and it's been my major concern too. RSPB has been urging farmers etc in Devon to put out food for Cirl Buntings whose winter stubble is buried under frost and snow - weather could decimate populations and threaten entire reintroduction efforts. Agree with Dartford Warblers too, last year we lost a heavy percentage, this year, toll could be much higher. All birds, especially in rural areas will take a massive hit. Mammals too, as well as domestic stock.

Ps. Warm welcome to WAB

[captain nodge]

Originally Posted by Adam Bimpson

Sorry to be a wet blanket, but this cold spell will have serious implications for all our wildlife. Last years spell of cold weather has already reduced some dartford Warbler populations by over 80%. With a major decline in many bird populations already will documented, another source of pressure will only add to the problems.

It is not just birds there are concerns about over wintering bees (see Freezing temperatures could cause mass bee die-off).

Sorry for reality check but....

Adam

Ihave bees in the steel mast of my boat, having read your post im now worried about them, not knowing what i can do to help them,the boat is static at the mo, and in the south east which is very cold at mo, and blizzarding, all i can do is hope for the best for them, there is plenty of flowers for the queen if she suvirves till the sring

[Hoppingmad]

Originally Posted by Paul mabbott

Yes ... whatever happened to chillblains? Have they been eradicated?

No - I've got 2 on one toe! My house is quite warm too and I have not suffered from these since I was a child in the late 1960s.

I agree with many of you that a lot of fuss is made nowadays about an inch of snow bringing everything to a halt. However, in the South East (I am in Essex) there are now so many more cars on the road than 20 - 30 years ago sometimes it is not the conditions that are a problem but the endless queues of non-moving traffic. Last week I heard of several people being stuck in such a way and taking 4 hours to do 10 miles. Situations like this are really no fun and when we are told "don't travel unless necessary" I can see why!

However, I am fed up of people moaning about the temperature - it is winter after all! I keep telling my work colleagues to wrap up, go out and have a brisk walk. The house certainly feels warmer when you walk back in!

[nytecam]

Originally Posted by Paul mabbott

Nowadays many people, especially in the South, have forgotten how to walk!

Fighting talk says this currently cool southern - I'll send my spare set of clogs and a pic of my Porche

[BloomingMarvellous]

Originally Posted by lol geoff

I agree about lack of experience of drivers but back in 1963 there was a lot lot less private vehicles on the roads. Also most kids went to the school nearest to where they lived.

Most people worked close to home too.

[glsammy]

Originally Posted by ihcameron

Hi

My own memories of the 1963 winter (I was 14) were that it started snowing on Boxing Day and then kept on snowing for what appeared to be weeks.

Exactly as I remember it. I was 13. The nearest we've ever come to a true white Christmas. Didn't quite make it this year either, no snow falling here on Christmas day.
I remember that I still had to go to school every day, even when there was no heating. We just sat in the classroom with our coats on. Can you imagine this lot putting up with that?
Personally I'm really enjoying this cold spell, I'd enjoy it even more if we dare go further than our local sites.