From hazel Corylus avellana, to oak Quercus robur to blackthorn Prunus spinosa, studying the growth of leaves, flowers and fruit through the seasons from bud burst in spring to leaf fall in autumn can tell us a lot about how our climate is changing. The study of these events is called phenology. Follow our Phenology – Spring Watch Trail around the National Botanic Gardens and become a ‘citizen scientist’ by recording leaf growth and bumblebees to help us monitor the effect of climate change on nature.

You can print your Phenology Spring Watch Trail by downloading it here Leaf Watch Trail 2023 Spring Edition or collect one from the Visitor Centre!

Prunus spinosa flowering the in the National Botanic Gardens 2022

Prunus spinosa flowering the in the National Botanic Gardens 2022