About the BSBI
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The BSBI

The Botanical Society of the British Isles is for everyone who is interested in the flora of Britain and Ireland. The society traces its origins back to 1836, when it was founded as the Botanical Society of London. From its earliest days it has welcomed both professional and amateur members, and it remains the biggest and most active organisation devoted to the study of botany in the British Isles.

The BSBI produces national Atlases and county Floras of the distribution of plants. It publishes a scientific journal, Watsonia, and holds conferences on botany.

Members are kept informed by a newsletter three times a year and are invited to make use of our system of county recorders and national referees who can help with the identification of plants. Field meetings are held throughout Britain and Ireland, and sometimes abroad.

An education programme supported by the society aims brings high quality botanical training within the reach of all, from A Level students to professional development and postgraduate courses.

Scientific research on British botany is supported through grants awarded by the Science & Research Committee and through the work of the Plant Unit.

Membership

Members of the BSBI receive our newsletter, BSBI News, and our journal, Watsonia. They are also welcome to attend our programme of field meetings throughout Britain & Ireland - and sometimes abroad, too. In addition, they may request the help of our expert county recorders and national referees.

>> Click here or for a printable membership form

Membership categories

  1. Ordinary: £25 (€37) per year.
  2. Family: £3 (€5) for each additional member (but no separate mailings).
  3. Junior: £10 (€16.50) (up to the age of 21 or up to 25 if in full-time education).
  4. Senior: £18 (€27).
  5. Institutional: £25 (€37)
  6. Overseas (ordinary or institutional): £27 (€40).

Subscriptions are due on the 1st of January each year. Cheques should be made payable to “BSBI” and sent to:

Mr R. Gwynn Ellis, 41 Marlborough Road, Roath, Cardiff, CF23 5BU

Change of address

Please notify the membership secretary, Gwynn Ellis, of any change of address.

The Plant Unit

The Plant Unit is the professional arm of the BSBI, with a remit to develop scientific uses of the BSBI’s data and provide services to academia and the conservation sector.

Academic Research: we undertake research and supply data to collaborators in universities. The BSBI holds the largest biological recording database in the world, with highly structured data that is invaluable for analyses such as responses to climate change.

Data Supply: we have an annual programme of updating/dataflow to BRC, who provide verification etc. and then that this data eventually goes onto the NBN. Members/VCRs can apply for higher resolution access to this data than the 10km that is available to the public.

Site Condition Monitoring: The Plant Unit contributes towards the assessment of the nature conservation status of SSSIs through Site Condition Monitoring. Visit his BSBI Scotland web site for more information.

Contact us...

Kevin Walker is Head of Research & Development, with a remit to liaise with external organisations to promote and develop the work of the BSBI. Contact us if you are interested in collaborative research or commissioning reports or information from the BSBI.

Kevin Walker, 97 Dragon Parade, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG1 5DG

Email: Kevin Walker

Officers & Council (2008)

President: Mr M.E. Braithwaite; Vice presidents: Mrs J.M. Croft, Miss L. Farrell, Mr R.G. Woods & Dr F. Rumsey

Hon. Gen. Sec.: Mr D.A. Pearman; Hon. Treasurer: Mr A.M. Nixon

Council: Dr M.F. Fay, Mr J.P. Poland, Mrs P.A. Sankey, Mr R.M. Walls, Mr A.G. Amphlett, Mr R.D. Pryce, Dr M.A. Spencer, Mr A.O. Chater, Dr B. Harold, Dr A. Lean, Ms S. Pilkington, Dr S. Reynolds

Chairs of Committees: Mr A.R. Vickery (Meetings), Dr R.J. Gornall (Publications), Mr D.A. Pearman (Records), Prof. M.J. Crawley (SRC), Dr S.J. Whild (T&E).

Regional Representatives: Dr B.S. Rushton (Ireland), Dr C. Miles (Scotland), Mr R.A. Jones (Wales)

Appointed by Council: Mr M.N. Sanford (Watsonia), Mr T.J. James (News), Mrs J.M. Croft (Field Secretary)

Hon. Minuting Secretary: Prof. R.O. Robinson

Registered address: Botanical Society of the British Isles, Botany Department, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD

The Botanical Society of the British Isles (known as BSBI) is a charity registered in England and Wales (212560) and in Scotland (SC038675).

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