To examine how the radial growth patterns of different species of trees may vary after being exposed to the same annual climatic conditions: A Priestley Clough case study.

Abstract

There is an increasing interest in the climate and the impact it is having upon the natural world. This project uses the scientific discipline of dendrochronology to assess the climatic effect upon the radial growth of three species of trees (Sycamore, Beech and Oak), over the last 40 years at the woodland of Priestley Clough, Accrington. In order to assess the impact the climatic conditions are having upon the radial growth, precipitation and temperature data were used alongside the average ring width data, which were further statistically analysed. The data showed varied results amongst each species, with some appearing to show little/no response to certain climatic conditions, whilst Oak provided an interesting data set, which proved to be responsive to temperature, with little influence from precipitation. The data set was further analysed alongside similar studies; one in a similar location, similar latitude and the other in the south of England to try and determine if any relationships existed between other research. Although similarities were found, with statistical analysis providing evidence of relationships, the data did not provide definitive evidence that climate was the only factor influencing radial growth.