Play a part in biology research

Edge Hill University are looking for volunteers to help shape research into how climate change is affecting the fertility of trees.

Clare Bugg, an associate tutor in Biology at the University, is investigating reproduction in small- leaved lime tress, called Tilia Cordata, and needs help with collecting seeds before the season draws to a close.

She explained: "This study is being carried out as part of my PhD at Edge Hill University to examine the links between temperature and fertility in Tilia Cordata and how it may be affected by climate change. I want to build up a UK wide picture of rates of seed fertility and I'm aiming to collect information from as many sites as possible around the country. This will then be analysed alongside climate data to inform the future of this species."

The distribution of this particular tree is uneven, with scattered populations throughout south and central England. It reaches Cumbria where its populations tend to consist of very old trees. At these northern sites there is little regeneration with very few fertile seeds being produced, compared to more central and southern sites where the trees show higher fertility. This difference in the regeneration through seed of Tilia Cordata in different regions has been attributed to temperatures in the north rarely reaching the required level to allow fertilisation and development of seeds to occur.

Clare said: "Recent climate change and warming has already been shown to be causing major impacts on ecosystems including habitat loss, shifts in vegetation zones and changes in the timing of biological events. The likely continued temperature increase in the future may potentially allow more regeneration from seed for Tilia populations in northern UK and possible changes to its geographic range. My research aims to answer some of these questions such as its future reproduction and the likely implications of climate change, especially temperature changes on this plant's fertility and distribution.

"I've already had lots of support for the project and some of our students are also involved but I'm keen to encourage as many volunteers as possible to help me collect these seeds from sites around the Britain, especially as this is the last chance before the winter months draw in. You don't need any special skills or experience and it should only take a couple of hours of your time."

The fruits collected from the tree will be analysed to establish any links between fertility and temperature.

Clare will be explaining the study in more detail at the Botanical Society of the British Isles Annual Exhibition Meeting on 26^th November at the Natural History Museum, London between 12 noon and 5pm. Members and non-members are encouraged to attend to view exhibits and meet with fellow botanists.

For any further information about getting involved with the study, please contact Clare Bugg on 01695650932 or email clare.bugg@edgehill.ac.uk.