IMIS - Marine Research Groups

"Several studies already showed that climate change had and will have an important impact on biodiversity. Since 2003, the Research Institute for Nature and Forest (INBO) records the phenological activities of a number of selected Quercus robur (Oak) and Fagus sylvatica (Beech) trees in different plots in two forests in Flanders, Belgium. Tree activities that are recorded are: • Bud burst and leaf development • Flowering • Ripening of the fruits • Leaf discoloration and leaf fall We followed the method as applied by IPC-Forest. In spring and fall, selected trees in different plots are visually inspected to assess the development stages. For instance, to record leaf development, we used a 5-level scoring system: 1. No sign of any leaf development 2. few leaves present, only small part of Crown 3. between 2 and 4 4. many leaves present, large part of crown 5. Fully developed leaves and crown"