Our plant ‘species on the edge’ need your help!
A vital part of the work we’re doing to support our ‘species on the edge’ is collecting data. The more we know about our priority species – where they are, how many there are, how they are faring etc – the more informed, more targeted and more effective our conservation action can be.
However, there are just too many plants, too many islands, and too many miles of shoreline to leave this task of collecting data to the professionals. So, we’re asking the public to help! Don your citizen science caps and help us help our ‘species on the edge’!
There’s many different ways of getting involved; whether you’re a botanical beginner or a plant professional, there’s a citizen science opportunity for you. Explore below, or get in touch for help with finding the opportunity for you: sote@nature.scot
Plant-based citizen science opportunities
Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland’s New Year Plant Hunt
What: Head out between 29th December and 1st January to see what is flowering in your local patch – shake off the midwinter blues, reconnect with nature, and contribute vital data to help BSBI understand how Britain and Ireland’s plants are responding to climate change.
All the information: ww.bsbi.org/new-year-plant-hunt
The National Plant Monitoring Scheme
What: The National Plant Monitoring Scheme (NPMS) aims to survey plant species across different habitats in the UK. The data collected from the survey allow us to look at the abundance and diversity of plants and help us to understand the health of different habitats.
How: NPMS volunteers, from beginners to experienced botanists, are asked to survey 5 small plots within their allocated 1km survey square twice a year, with the first surveys kicking off in April. They can do this at one of 3 different survey levels depending on their experience and confidence. The beginner level surveys for example ask volunteers to record around just 10-15 common and easily identifiable species at each plot. Volunteers have full access to their own data and the whole NPMS data set, along with a raft of guidance and free training materials and opportunities.
When: Year-round
All the information: www.npms.org.uk
