Dramatically changing weather in London has given rise to anxieties for early-bird wildlife.

The past seven days have seen the conditions lurch from warm and sunny to gale-force winds and finally sub-zero temperatures and snow.

Staff at Kew Gardens revealed last week how they would have to let nature run its course and any plants blooming early would be left to fall victim to the elements should the temperature drop.

Now with snow covering most of Richmond on Wednesday morning, staff at the London Wetland Centre in Barnes have expressed fears for the amphibian population.

Reserve manager John Arbon said the prolonged mild spell during December and early January saw many frogs, newts and toads out and about instead of in their usual hibernation.

He warned they could now be caught out by the plunging temperatures.

He said: "Male common newts have been seen in the ponds in their full breeding colours and doing their mating dance since December, which is around two months earlier than usual.

"The problem now is that they will be caught out in the open when they should be hibernating underground or in log piles, protected from freezing temperatures.

"The extent to which the population will be affected all depends now on how long it lasts. But it isn't just the amphibians that will be struggling, mammals such as hedgehogs are also likely to be affected."

Marsh marigolds have also been in bloom since December at the reserve, when they normally flower in February.

Robins and sparrows have been spotted searching for nesting sites several months too early.