Woodland Trust calls on public to spot spring’s vital signs

The Woodland Trust is urging people in Devon to step outside and observe spring’s vital signs as part of a nationwide citizen science campaign aimed at tracking the effects of climate change on British wildlife. The campaign, which runs until Easter Monday, April 21, invites the public to record sightings of frogspawn, blackthorn blossom, and the song thrush to help scientists monitor the health of the environment.

The UK’s largest woodland conservation charity, the Woodland Trust manages over 1,100 free-to-visit sites and is renowned for its work in protecting and restoring native woodland. The Trust’s Nature’s Calendar project, which dates back to 1736, enlists citizen scientists to track seasonal changes in plant and animal behaviour, providing valuable long-term data on how climate change is shifting natural cycles.

Dr. Kate Lewthwaite, Citizen Science Manager at the Woodland Trust, explained the importance of the initiative: “Climate change is not just icebergs and polar bears. It’s happening in your garden and outside your window. It’s impacting the birds, animals, and flowers we all know and love.”

She explained how early seasonal changes can have a devastating effect on wildlife, saying that spring now arrives nine days earlier on average than it did in the early 20th century. This disrupts natural cycles, leading to potential mismatches between species and their food sources.

“Frogs only reproduce once a year, so if the weather warms too early, they can be tricked into mating too soon, and the frogspawn may not survive a sudden cold snap,” Dr. Lewthwaite explained. “Blackthorn blossom, a vital early nectar source for insects, is also impacted by seasonal shifts. By tracking these vital signs, we can understand the challenges nature faces and better protect it.”

The Woodland Trust’s campaign has already inspired thousands of “nature detectives” across the country to submit their observations. Early data indicates frogspawn sightings have followed their traditional pattern: first appearing in the South West, then sweeping through Wales, northern England, Scotland, and finally the east of England.

This consistency, according to Woodland Trust scientists, suggests that fewer frogs have been caught out by unseasonal weather this year. However, ongoing data collection is vital for understanding long-term trends.

The Trust is encouraging everyone to get involved before the April 21 deadline. Observing blackthorn blooms, hunting for frogspawn, and listening for the song thrush’s call can be a fun and educational way to enjoy nature while contributing to crucial research.

“There’s the chance to learn more about nature, get active, spend time in the woods and fresh air, and experience all the wellbeing benefits that go with that,” added Dr. Lewthwaite. “But this is serious business too. Everyone who records any of our three vital signs of spring is making a difference. Citizen science projects like this one are essential tools in the fight against climate change.”

The Woodland Trust believes citizen science empowers communities to understand local environmental changes while supporting scientific research. The more people involved, the more accurate and impactful the data.

To participate, visit woodlandtrust.org.uk/vitalsigns and submit your sightings by Monday, April 21.