Dear phenology recorders
After an exceptionally wet and dull August, many people are hoping the weather in September will make up for it. This month is the time to look out for first tint in many of our trees and shrubs.
However, if temperatures and rainfall remain high, the growing season for many species extends, so the first signs of leaf tinting may be later.
What exactly is ‘first tint’?
Record what you've seen
Kate
Lewthwaite
Nature's Calendar Project Manager
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Climate 'altering UK bird habits'
A recent report from a coalition of conservation groups has shown that some UK bird species are laying eggs significantly earlier than they were 40 years ago. An earlier Dutch report suggested great tits were struggling to hatch their chicks earlier to match the earlier insect supply. Our own UKPN work has shown 'great tit feeding young' activity advances in warmer springs. read more |
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This is your newsletter – your stories
We’ve had a good response to our request for quirky or amazing experiences of nature in your area and for interesting local news. We’ll include the best selection of these over the next few months, please do keep sending them in. This month read about: oozing tree bark and a drunk hornet, stoat family antics and ideas for involving children in tree planting. read more |
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Exploring the lives of trees at Newcastle University
It's easy to forget how dependent the planet is on trees; historian and former woodsman Max Adams takes a new look at them and sets out to explore not only their extraordinarily diverse natural history but also our complex cultural relationship with them. This ten week course starts on Tuesday 30 September at 10am. Contact beatandtrack@yahoo.co.uk, 0191 4789435. |
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Can you help PTES with their mammal survey?
The People's Trust for Endangered Species is looking for people to take part in its annual ‘Mammals on Roads’ survey. Anyone likely to drive at least 20 miles on single carriageway roads in Britain before Sept 30 is being encouraged to download a survey form and record what they see. read more |
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Making Natural History
As wildlife watchers, programmes like Planet Earth keep us enthralled. The BBC is looking for nine people with a passion for wildlife to take part in a competition to win a year’s placement in the BBC’s Natural History Unit filming similar programmes. Email the BBC for an application form and return it before 28 November. If you’re successful, expect to spend 10 weeks away from home in spring 2009. |
