Nature's Calendar Blog

• What happens in autumn?

  By Lorienne Whittle, 17/08/2021
  

  Autumn is the forgotten season in phenology, with fewer records of seasonal changes compared to spring. As a result we know less about the impact of weather and climate change on the timing of autumn.

  Find out more about recording natural events this autumn and help us fill these knowledge gaps.

   

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• Newly discovered first flowering records fill historical gap

  By Georgia Dixson, 05/07/2021
  

  For her undergraduate dissertation project at the University of Liverpool, Georgia Dixson transcribed and analysed a precious historical dataset gifted to the university for comparison with Nature's Calendar records. 

  Find out more about Georgia's research on the first flowering dates of spring flowers and the relationship species such as snowdrops and bluebells show with temperature. 

   

   

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• How will this year's cold spring impact wildlife during autumn?

  By Judith Garforth, 24/06/2021
  

  After two years of noticeably warm, early springs, 2021 has been rather a contrast. With the weather whiplash of going from an incredibly dry April to the deluges of May, it's been a tricky time for wildlife. 

  What will the impact be on plants and animals this autumn? Read more and find out how you can help us to track Nature's Calendar through the next season. 

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• Dog roses: meaning, myth and medicinal uses.

  By Lorienne Whittle, 07/06/2021
  

  Have you spotted the pretty flowers of a dog rose scrabbling through a country hedgerow? There’s more to this shrub than meets the eye. From making itching powder and curing rabies to preventing Vitamin C deficiency and stretch marks, different parts of this wild rose have been used to treat an array of ailments in the past. 

  Find out more about identifying dog roses and their medicinal uses. 

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• How to identify common UK grasses

  By Judith Garforth and Martha Boalch, 14/05/2021
  

  Grasses form the Poaceae family, their stems are round and hollow. Learn how to identify and record some common UK grasses.

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