THE wet weather could prove disastrous for much of Suffolk's wildlife this year, experts have warned.

The cold, wet conditions have left many bees, bats, birds, butterflies and wildflowers struggling – with the prospects for next year looking bleak too, according to the Suffolk Wildlife Trust and the National Trust.

They say the prolonged wet spell has upset the natural balance and many species, especially birds and dormice, are struggling to breed. However, there are some winners, including slugs and snails, which have thrived in the inclement weather.

The news comes after the wettest April-June on record, and heavy rain in July.

The rain has been good for the county's greenery, with gardeners tackling fast-growing lawns and the countryside booming with nettles, bracken and brambles, according to the National Trust.

Audrey Boyle of the Suffolk Wildlife Trust said: 'The wet weather has certainly had an impact on our wildlife.

'We have a number of monitoring projects which are affected because we can't simply can't get out there.'

She said dormice and butterflies were suffering because insect numbers were falling.

'We are particularly worried about dormice, which is a shame because we have worked hard to re-introduce them into the county. 'They are losing weight as they are unable to forage and find food, which has affected their breeding. Also butterflies are about two weeks late from emerging, so have less time to get nectar.'

Matthew Oates, conservation adviser for the National Trust, said: 'This is turning out to be an almost apocalyptic summer for most of our wildlife.

'Many birds who have a long lifespan can survive the odd poor breeding season now and again, but it is your common garden birds which will suffer. But it is important that we have a good year next year. We might see a population decline without some good weather.'