Dear phenology recorders

This issue brings the exciting news of the Woodland Trust’s opportunity to create the largest new native forest in England. You may have seen this story in the media recently. Find out more below.

I was privileged to speak at the Euroscience Open Forum in Barcelona recently, presenting Nature’s Calendar to set an example of how the internet can be used to engage people with science. There was a lot of interest in our work here in the UK.

The lucky winner of last month’s leaf and flower swatch competition was Alan Vickery from Hemel Hempstead.

August brings us the beginning of autumn fruiting. Fruits are now seen earlier than in past years, probably because flowering is also earlier.

In August, look out for:

• Bramble fruit ripe
• Elder fruit ripe
• Hawthorn fruit ripe
• Rowan fruit ripe
  
  
• Departing swifts

Record what you've seen

Kate Lewthwaite
Nature's Calendar Project Manager

Help us plant over half a million trees and create the largest new native forest in England 
The Woodland Trust has an incredible opportunity to purchase around 850 acres of farmland to create England’s largest new continuous broadleaved forest. The land is near Sandridge, St Albans in Hertfordshire. This forest can only happen through the generosity of our supporters. Can you help us? We need to raise £8.5 million to make this project a reality.

This is your newsletter – why not send us a story?
Had a quirky or amazing experience of nature in your area that you’d like to share? Passionate about a particular species? Know of a great place to see wildlife? Do you have some inspirational local news? Why not write to us and tell us? We’d like to include more of your phenology or wildlife or related stories in Nature’s Calendar news so why not get in touch with us.

Marsham books selling fast
You may remember our commemoration of the birth of Robert Marsham, founding father of phenology, in January. Don’t forget about the fascinating book that is available, giving an insight into the life of this 18th century naturalist. A nice gift for yourself or a fellow nature lover? Stocks are selling fast, so don’t miss out. Read more