Project Aims

Objective 1: Establish a sustainable phenological network in Ireland.

• Regenerate existing IPG sites, expand the network, , incorporate native species
• Encourage greater participation of inter-disciplinary stakeholders
• Provide a manual and regular training for observers
• Establish a management plan for phenology in Ireland

Objective 2 :Identify phenological data sets

• Locate phenological records, construct databases and analyse trends
• Analyse trends in relation to temperature variables

Objective 3: Establish a robust set of analytical techniques to present and explain trends in the data.

• Statistical techniques
• Remote sensing
• Other methods of analysing and presenting phenological data

Objective 4: Carry out experimental work to provide data for validation of phenological modelling.

• Quantify the effects of summer-autumn temperature and photoperiod
• Refine the response to forcing temperature in the UnPhot model
• Create phenological climate change scenarios for Ireland using birch as a model organism

Objective 5: Establish web-based facility for recording observations and presenting the data

• Develop website for observation recording and data presentation (maps, graphs etc.)
• Encourage schools and the public to record observations online