Field Notes

Seasonal Calendar for Microscopy Specimens

The calendar indicates periods when specimens are most readily obtained in the British Isles. Many investigations remain possible outside these periods depending on local conditions.

Overview of UK Availability

Typical UK seasonal availability of specimens is outlined below:

Season	What appears
Winter	moulds, soil organisms, moss capsules
Early spring	buds, pollen
Late spring	leaf structures, insects
Summer	pond life, algae
Autumn	fungi, decay processes

Monthly View

Investigation	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Leaf epidermis				✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Stomata				✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Insect wing				✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Pollen study			✔	✔	✔	✔
Fern spores						✔	✔	✔	✔
Pond microorganisms				✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Bud structure		✔	✔	✔
Mould growth	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Decaying leaf tissue									✔	✔	✔	✔
Moss capsules	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔						✔	✔

Seasonal View

Spring (March–May)

Investigation	Best Month
Bud structure	March–April
Pollen study	April–May
Leaf epidermis	April–May
Stomata	May

Summer (June–August)

Investigation	Best Month
Pond microorganisms	June–August
Freshwater algae	June–July
Insect wing	June–August

Autumn (September–November)

Investigation	Best Month
Fern spores	September
Decaying leaf tissue	October–November
Soil micro-organisms	October

Winter (December–February)

Investigation	Best Month
Mould growth	Any month
Moss capsules	January–March