Professor Rosemary Fricker, Cambridge University Botanic Garden
You may have heard talk of plants flowering earlier as a result of our warming climate. Phenology, the study of seasonal cycles, can help us to understand the effects of climate change on plants. We would like to know how seasonal weather changes are affecting the trees at CUBG, and if they can adapt, survive and even thrive.
Since late 2020, volunteers have been recording the seasonal cycles of around 90 native and non-native trees and plants at CUBG. Recordings are made once a week, throughout the whole year. We measure leaf, flower and fruit development, leaf tinting and leaf loss. We can then compare our findings with weather data collected in the Garden.
Our goal is to provide information that can be used to protect and conserve plants for the future, and to plan a Garden that will be resilient to climate change.
Science on Sundays
A programme of free, informal, monthly science talks bringing the latest discoveries in plant science, as well as research linked to the plant collection at CUBG to our visitors in a 30 minute nutshell.
We will be running these talks live from the Botanic Garden Classroom for those visiting the the Garden on the day.
Free with normal Garden admission.
Please check the website and social media for updates.
Suitable for adults and children aged 12+.
Talks run monthly March to July.
