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Malcolm Clark and Roy Thompson have studied the records of the dates of flowers making first appearances in the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh (available from 1850 onwards) and have predicted that climate change will result in the UK spring starting as early as January by 2050 (http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/sep/10/early-spring). There were notable changes in the blooming of Cherry blossom and buttercups. This may sound fine to gardeners but could well result in problems in terms of the flowers synchronising with pollinating insects. There are also likely to be problems for birds that migrate to feed on insects, seeds or fruit (although it appears that such birds are also arriving earlier and earlier). Of course, one reason for my 'Seeing the Changes' postings is to accumulate evidence for a gradual warming in South Wales.
This blog may help people explore some of the 'hidden' issues involved in certain media treatments of environmental and scientific issues. Using personal digital images, it's also intended to emphasise seasonal (and other) changes in natural history of the Swansea (South Wales) area. The material should help participants in field-based modules and people generally interested in the natural world. The views are wholly those of the author.
Thursday, 10 September 2009
A Premature Spring?
Malcolm Clark and Roy Thompson have studied the records of the dates of flowers making first appearances in the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh (available from 1850 onwards) and have predicted that climate change will result in the UK spring starting as early as January by 2050 (http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/sep/10/early-spring). There were notable changes in the blooming of Cherry blossom and buttercups. This may sound fine to gardeners but could well result in problems in terms of the flowers synchronising with pollinating insects. There are also likely to be problems for birds that migrate to feed on insects, seeds or fruit (although it appears that such birds are also arriving earlier and earlier). Of course, one reason for my 'Seeing the Changes' postings is to accumulate evidence for a gradual warming in South Wales.
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