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“Phenology – Is Spring coming earlier” – 17th February 2010
To many of us, weary of this apparently endless winter, the above question, title of Wednesday’s U3A Lecture, seemed merely rhetorical.
Dr. Tim Sparks, phenologist, taught us to look at this question seriously.
The meticulous recording of natural phenomena showed us that an affirmative answer is correct. In fascinating details, records kept by enthusiastic amateurs and professionals gave us convincing graphs and statistics.
Those of us who rather loosely remember the first aconite or snowdrop, were put in the shade by those who have kept exact records over decades.
Before exact patterns and statistics could be extrapolated from recorded observations other factors had to be considered. The positions of plants, the composition of the soil and the actual variety of species were all important.
Once the information hadbeen recorded and collated it could be used to deduce patterns such as climate change; very relevant to today’s debates.
The Lecture was laced with humorous detail and even a degree of quirkiness such as when the speaker enjoyed his first rhubarb crumble of the year.
Thank you, Tim Sparks, for an interesting and informative afternoon. Jean & Derek Oldham.
Monthly Meeting -