With the first sightings of Spring it seems appropriate to reflect on Robert Marsham, a celebrated English naturalist and founding father of phenology – the study of the effects of the seasons on plants and animals, now overseen by The Woodland Trust. 

The land at Norfolk Bluebell Wood played an important role in the global understanding of the effects the seasons have on plants and animals.

As the pioneer of phenology Robert Marsham of Stratton Strawless recorded variations in the seasonal temperatures. These detailed observations were the basis for developing 27 indicators of Spring including the arrival of the first snowdrops, the arrival or first song of migrant birds, the first cuckoo call or leafing dates of trees.

He saw woodland planting as key to enhancing his estate planting millions of trees although large parts were felled between the first and second world wars for timber and farmland.  Small areas remain including the Bluebell Wood habitat which was also the inspiration for the burial park.  Its floor carpeted with millions of spring blooms provided an opportunity to connect people and nature, throughout the seasons, in a natural setting of historic significance.

His vision still has significance today and as individuals we make our own observations of nature in our day to day lives and what they symbolise will often reflect our own personal life experiences.  

The seasons are often associated with the stages of life with Spring representing birth, summer childhood, autumn adulthood and winter old age and death, all of which impart a powerful energy teaching us about change.