THE records of a family who noted the changing seasons over a 200-year period are being used by scientists to understand how trees and flowers are responding to climate change.

Robert Marsham and his descendants recorded the spring leafing and flowering of woodland plants on their Norfolk estate from 1736 until 1947 - creating one of the longest-running logs of its kind in the world.

Researchers at Edinburgh University and Biomathematics & Statistics Scotland have used the family's notes to show that the order in which different tree species come into leaf could have changed greatly over the decades.

The scientists believe rising autumn temperatures triggered by soaring carbon emissions are to blame and claim it could affect the survival of different species.

Dr Ally Phillimore, of the University's School of Biological Sciences, said: "Our predictions were made using citizen science observations that spanned three centuries.

"In the coming years citizen scientists can test our predictions via projects like Track a Tree and Nature's Calendar.

"For example, last autumn was very warm, so we might see oak come into leaf before birch this year."

Adrian Roberts, of Biomathematics & Statistics Scotland, added: "State-of-the-art statistical methods help us to use citizen science observations in developing valuable insights into how changes in our climate might affect woodland communities."