The 27 Indications of Spring

Nature's Calendar -the Springwatch Survey for 2008

1 February 2008 - The Woodland Trust promote a survey of the first signs of Spring each year and their website of Nature's Calendar shows a fascinating record of when 27 key indicators are first observed across the UK.

The science of phenology was founded by Robert Marsham, and the Woodland Trust are marking the tri-centenary of his death this year.  He first started recording his 'Indications of Spring' in 1736 and continued this for 62 years.

He focused on 27 natural events for more than 20 animals and plants which included tree leafing times and the arrival of migrant birds...

Marsham's 27 indications of spring

Snowdrop first flowering
 
Wood anemone first flowering
 
Hawthorn first flowering
 
Turnip first flowering
 
Hawthorn first leafing
 
Sycamore first leafing
 
Silver birch first leafing
 
Elm first leafing
 
Rowan first leafing
 
Oak first leafing
 
Beech first leafing
 
Horse chestnut first leafing
 
Sweet chestnut first leafing
 
Hornbeam first leafing
 
Ash first leafing
 
Lime first leafing
 
Field maple first leafing
 
Swallow first seen
 
Cuckoo first seen
 
Nightingale first heard
 
Nightjar first heard
 
Song thrush first heard
 
Ringdove first seen
 
Rook first nest building
 
Rook young first seen
 
Brimstone butterfly first seen
 
Frogs and toads first heard croaking
 

To find out more ...

Visit the Nature's Calendar website or click on the blue links above for further information on the specific indications.