Recording nature's calendar for 62 YEARS!
Jean Combes, 81, has been recording the dates when the first leaves appear on oak, ash, horse chestnut and lime trees since 1947, an amazing 62 years.
Her seasonal sightings have proved an important measure showing how these trees are responding to climate change.
They have been used by scientists, government departments and research organisations interested in the impact of a changing climate on trees and wildlife.
How did it start?
Jean’s love of nature was in stark contrast to her work as a housing manager in the slums of post-war London. Then, as her three children were growing up, she gained the Field Biology Certificate and taught adult evening classes, helping others to learn about the natural world. Jean first started recording aged 11, but destroyed these records as she thought they were childish, but at the age of 20 Jean started her 62 year old collection not knowing how significant it would become.
Her records are now incredibly valuable, both in the story they tell and in inspiring others to make a difference. For her commitment and dedication, Jean was awarded an OBE in the New Year’s Honours’ list in 2009 for her services to phenology, the science of nature’s calendar.
Jean was featured on the BBC’s One Show at 7pm on 16 July. To watch Jean on the show visit the BBC i-player.
What can I do...
Inspired to be the next Jean Combes? Join our Nature’s Calendar project to record the signs of the changing seasons.