Page 14 - Thrapston Life October 2022

WOODLAND TRUST
Nature’s Calendar
Many people find comfort in the rhythm
of the seasons, particularly in the past few years, when so many of us have taken solace
in nature. Thousands of people have made a ritual of adding records to Nature’s Calendar, one of the longest running citizen science projects in the UK, run by the Woodland Trust. The data collected in this project inform researchers and policy makers on the impact climate change is having on UK wildlife.
Did you know?
Between 1938–1979 Oundle School collected data for Nature’s Calendar, recording local trees, flowers and birds!
Thanks to the observations of Nature’s Calendar recorders across the UK, we now know that climate change is causing spring to arrive 8.4 days earlier than it was 30 years ago. But less is known about the autumn season, and we need your help to record what’s happening near you.
Autumn – the forgotten season?
Delving into the millions of Nature’s Calendar records, it is clear there has always been a preference for recording spring events. Although these records are important, we know far less about how climate change is impacting wildlife in autumn. The first plump ripe blackberry or shiny conker, the colour changing spectacle of autumn leaves followed by the first, then final fallen leaf - are all tell-tale signs of autumn.
You can record these on Nature’s Calendar and they’ll provide key insights into the growing season and potential food chain repercussions. How have you seen autumn change near you?
What’s happening in a wood near you?
Join Nature’s Calendar and you’ll be contributing to records going back to 1736, providing key information to scientists and policy makers.
Taking part in Nature’s Calendar is easy:
- Take a look at the list of species and events on: www.naturescalendar.woodlandtrust.org. uk. Choose one or more that you can check at least once or twice a week.
- Register on our website.
- Select the location you will be observing from
– pick somewhere you visit regularly.
- Keep an eye out for seasonal events and
record what happens to your chosen species.
- Record the date you first see each event and view your record instantly on our live maps!
www.naturescalendar.woodlandtrust.org.uk
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© Hazelnuts, Ben Lees (12)
© Blackberry - Ben Lees, 2016 (11)