News: March 2004

Phenology is the study of the times of recurring natural phenomena. A network of over 13,000 phenologists across Britain is throwing light on the effects of global warming.

The Woodland Trust in association with the The British Association for the Advancement of Science and the Centre of Hydrology and Ecology organises the amateur recorders. Anyone can take part - a good way to find out more is to visit the website Natures Calendar.

Jill Attenborough of the Woodland Trust has explained how the effects climate change can be very evident in the garden. A recent example was the exceptionally mild early spring weather inducing many frogs to spawn early, only to have their spawn killed by ice when the weather returned to type during some very cold snaps, ruining the breeding attempts of those frogs for a whole year. Ms Attenborough went on to say "It is a stark example of the wonderful thing about monitoring the science of spring and having people of all ages trying to do it wherever they are. It brings climate change into your garden and people can see for themselves the impact it is having on nature."

Independent online. 2004. The warning signs that spring has sprung. Viewed on the web at http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/environment/story.jsp?story=500351 on March 14th 2004.