. A new Woodland Trust study shows that global warming is affecting the quality and quantity British acorn crop production. The Woodland Trust is a conservation charity focused on the preservation and management of the native forest heritage. A new study that examined data from the public using Nature’s Calendar found that warmer years resulted in less synchronized flowering of oak trees and lower quality acorn crop production. Coventry University’s Faculty of Computing and Engineering researcher Professor Tim Sparks found that the average fruiting score of the year’s acorn crops decreased by 20%. when the oak tree flowering dates vary by only four days. Acorns are a primary food source for many species including squirrels. Eight of the 10 warmest years in history have been since 2002,, suggesting that this warming trend will continue. Professor Sparks stated that although this is only a preliminary finding and needs to be further studied, there was a strong correlation between the two species. “Synchronised year” is the one with the later average first flowering date. Dr. Kate Lewthwaite, Woodland Trust Citizen Science Manager said, “The public’s information is vital in helping us to make sense of the changes in our natural environment. These trends can help us plan for the future and build the resilience, diversity, and sustainability of our native woodland. Acorns provide food to many animals, including deer, squirrels, and pigeons. These animals are also responsible for dispersing the seeds. Synchronised Flowering allows oak trees to pollinate by wind dispersal. This is more efficient than using animals. Robert Marsham , the English naturalist and ‘founding father’ of phenology, started Nature’s Calendar. This powerful tool is useful in assessing the effects of climate change. Phenology studies the effect of seasons on animals and plants.
