Indications of spring

Phenology is not a new science.

The best information comes from Robert Marsham, phenology's founding father.

Marsham began recording his 'Indications of Spring' back in 1736 on his family estate near Norwich, Norfolk.

He continued to note down significant dates for the next 62 years recording some 27 natural events for more than 20 animals and plants.

These 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
 

Why do this?

Marsham's main reason for keeping these records was to improve the timber production on his estate.

He was one of the first to carry out repeated experiments on root cutting, trenching and bark scrubbing.