Autumn or an Indian summer? (From Bournemouth Echo)

Autumn or an Indian summer?

10:48am Thursday 11th October 2001

• Print
• Email
• Share

When leaves turn reddish brown, birds plan journeys south and the nights draw in, we can be assured autumn is upon us. But experts say it is occurring later and later and this is having a massive effect on wildlife. Environment reporter RICHARD SIMCOX investigates...

WHILE opinion is divided among scientists, politicians and doom-mongers on the causes and effects of global warming, it is difficult to escape the fact our planet is heating up.

This may be greeted as good news by some who relish the idea of enjoying a flourishing garden well into September and October.

But the country's leading conservation charity says it could have grave consequences for the composition of our wooded areas and the lives of our plants and animals as they prepare for winter.

The Woodland Trust has teamed up with research body the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH) to monitor the effects of climate change on our environment and is calling on volunteers to help.

The nationwide phenology study looks at how naturally recurring events are affected by climate change.

And information provided by a network of volunteer “recorders” on changes in leaf colour or the habits of migrating birds will help experts predict what might lie in store for the future.

This is not a new idea. Phenology dates back to the 18th century but has only recently seen a revival since CEH undertook studies in 1998.

Launching this year's autumn survey, BBC weather presenter Isobel Lang said: “The rise in temperature this century is already having an impact on trees, plants and insects. For example, trees are coming into leaf sooner and leaves are staying on trees longer. This will undoubtedly have an effect on the whole woodland habitat.”

The trust says ultimately changes in wildlife patterns are confusing for animals and other plants which rely on them for support.

This threatens what is known as biodiversity and sychronomy, the way all living things co-exist in their environment.

Members of the public can help by signing up to the study. They are being asked to record findings in their area by looking out in gardens, local parks and woods.

While the bulk of the research will be collated on the internet, paper forms are also available on request.

Call 01793 333108 for a form or register at www.phenology.org.uk

• Print
• Email
• Share