Nature's Calendar Blog
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Expected date ranges explained
By Judith Garforth and Fritha West, 22/06/2022
Our recorders have been sending in their wildlife records for many years now. This means we have a pretty good idea of when to expect certain species to do certain things. However, sometimes unusual weather means that we receive records earlier or later than expected.
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What does Phenology mean to you?
By Fritha West, 26/05/2022
Phenology is the study of the timing of natural events. But what does it mean to record phenology, and why is it important? Dr Michelle Bastian, from the Edinburgh College of Art, encourages us to take an interdisciplinary approach.
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Gilbert White celebrations
By Guest Blog: Seren Irwin, 04/05/2022
We are incredibly lucky to have a rich history of recording natural history in the UK. Phenology - the study of the timing of natural events - as been a popular pastime for hundreds of years.
Pioneering naturalist, Gilbert White, is well-known for recording seasonal events at his home in Selborne, Hampshire. 2020 was the 300th anniversary of his birth and the Gilbert White House & Gardens and Nature's Calendar have been working together to celebrate his life and work.
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Why is hawthorn known as the May Tree?
By Fritha West, 11/04/2022
Colloquially known as May or the May tree, hawthorn blossom typically appears at the start of May in England and toward the middle of the month further north. However, climate change is bringing flowering forward, meaning the old English name for hawthorn may no longer be as relevant as it once was.
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Wildlife events to record through April
By Lorienne Whittle, 05/04/2022
Spring is really underway by the time April arrives and it's a busy month for wildlife. There's lots to record on Nature's Calendar as a result - whether it's watching a local tree from budburst, through leafing and flowering, birds nesting in your garden or tadpoles hatching in the pond. Don't forget to look upwards too, as summer visitors will begin arriving from Africa later this month.
Find out a little more about how you can help us track these much awaited seasonal changes.
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