This year’s bitter winter means confusion amongst early spring plants, with snowdrops still flowering a month or more later than usual in parts of the Yorkshire Dales where in others, snowdrops, crocuses and daffodils are all appearing at the same time.

A matter of shaking heads to most gardeners, these arrivals are important indicators of climate change for scientists at one of Britain’s most respected charities, the Woodland Trust, and they are asking members of the public to report the first appearance of flowers and other natural indicators like frog spawn.

Simply by letting us know when and where you spotted your first snowdrop or frogspawn of the year, we can begin to understand the impact of climate change on our native species,” said Dr Kate Lewthwaite, the Trust’s Nature’s Calendar manager confirmed. “On average, spring is arriving earlier than it did 30 years ago. But how are our species responding? That’s where we need your help.”

Last year snowdrops were sighted as early as 15 November, with the average date recorded as 29 January, while frogspawn sightings peaked around 22 February. The Trust is keen for more volunteers to get on board so they can understand what’s happening this year.

To learn more, or to take part please visit www.naturescalendar.org.uk