Field meetings and indoor events

Joint with the London Natural History Society

Historically, Hounslow Heath was one of the most species rich lowland heaths in England. Species such as Damasonium alisma (Starwort) and Mentha pulegium (Pennyroyal) are long extinct. Recent habitat restoration work has saved the remaining species from extinction but they remain highly threatened. We will be aiming to record species such as Betonica officinalis (Betony), Calluna vulgaris (Heather), Danthonia decumbens (Heath-grass), Logfia [Filago] minima and Filago germanica [vulgaris] (Small and Common Cudweed), Genista tinctoria and G. anglica (Dyer's Greenweed and Petty Whin), Trifolium subterraneaum (Subterranean Clover) and Ulex minor (Dwarf Gorse), most of which are restricted to fewer than 5 sites across Greater London. This meeting is suitable for beginners and for more experienced botanists. Please bring a packed lunch.

Meet at 11:00am on the corner of Simpson Road and Hanworth Road, Hounslow Heath Open Space, Hounslow (TQ12927400).

On the morning of day one we will visit Sheringham & Beeston Regis Commons SSSI. The site is a mosaic of calcareous mire, bog, and heath, together with some woodland, scrub, grassland, small streams and a pond, which between them provide a very diverse flora which is occasionally joined by garden escapes from the adjacent housing. Over 350 vascular plant species have been recorded here; perhaps the most notable of these are Blysmus compressus (Flat-sedge), Carex dioica (Dioecious Sedge), Drosera anglica (Great Sundew), Dryopteris cristata (Crested Buckler-fern), Eleocharis quinqueflora (Few-flowered Spike-rush), Gymnadenia densiflora (Marsh Fragrant-orchid), Isolepis cernua (Slender Club-rush), Parnassia palustris (Grass-of-Parnassus), Pinguicula vulgaris (Common Butterwort), Schoenus nigricans (Black Bog-rush), Solidago virgurea (Goldenrod) and Thelypteris palustris (Marsh Fern).

The terrain is generally easy on the main footpaths, elsewhere it can be a little more challenging and can be very wet in places, so stout waterproof footwear or welly boots are recommended.

In the afternoon we will visit to the nearby cliffs (about 900 m away). Beeston Cliffs are designated as a SSSI for both biological and geological reasons. We will focus on the calcareous cliff-top grassland, both here and on the adjacent cliffs at Sheringham. Particularly notable species recorded here include Phelipanche purpurea (Yarrow Broomrape) and Silene conica (Sand Catchfly). Other species we could see that may be of interest include Allium vineale (Wild Onion), Cerastium arvense (Field Mouse-ear), Lepidium latifolium (Dittander), Lupinus arboreus (Tree Lupin), Orobanche elatior (Knapweed Broomrape), Trifolium glomeratum (Clustered Clover) and Trifolium scabrum (Rough Clover).

The terrain is generally easy but the path over Beeston Bump is relatively steep and please note that the cliffs are eroding and it is dangerous to go too close to the edge. A short walk through the town (c.800 m) will bring us back to the morning meeting point.

On day two we will visit some of the coastal parts of Holkham NNR by kind permission of the Holkham Estate. We will look at the sand dunes including the pine woodland which was planted on the dunes in the late 19th century.  These comprise an intact sequence of dune communities from fore-dunes through to yellow and grey dunes and ultimately fixed dune grassland, including dune slacks supporting Laphangium luteoalbum (Jersey Cudweed) (an ‘old’ site for the plant before its expansion into urban areas) and Centaurium pulchellum (Lesser Centaury). The western end of the site also features saltmarsh, and a range of Salicornia (Glasswort) species, along with Limonium bellidifolium (Matted Sea-lavender), several of the Limonium binervosum (Rock Sea-lavender) aggregate, Frankenia laevis (Sea-heath) and Suaeda vera (Shrubby Sea-blite). Species recorded in the pinewoods which may be of interest include Goodyera repens (Creeping Lady's-tresses) (which may have been introduced with the pines) and Hypopitys monotropa (Yellow Bird's-nest). Depending upon livestock movements and presence/absence of breeding waders, it may also be possible to visit the fresh-marsh behind the dunes to see Carex divisa (Divided Sedge) and Ranunculus baudotii (Brackish Water-crowfoot).

The terrain is generally easy, but will involve a walk of about 1 km on level ground before reaching the main saltmarsh area, and a further 1 km before reaching the dune grassland (the woodland area would involve a c.8 km round trip) We will time visiting the saltmarsh to low tides on the day, which are likely to coincide with our return trip to the car park. Stout waterproof footwear (or something that you don’t mind getting muddy) is recommended.

Botanists of all skill levels are welcome, from beginners to specialists.

Meet at 10.30 each day.

This Wildflower Walk is a structured field meeting suitable for anyone from complete beginners upwards. We will be walking alongside the River Dee, looking at the plants we come across and learning how to identify them by 'finding the family first'.  A copy of the booklet explaining the strategy we use – Pocket Guide to Wildflower Families by Faith Anstey – will be provided to use on the walk and will be available to buy on the day.

Places are limited, booking essential.

The Wild Flower Society (WFS) are planning visit to Cos. Galway and Clare in July. They would like to invite members of the BSBI to attend. Contact WFS for more info.

Recording and general meeting to explore the Afon Mwyro valley mires, where there is Cirsium dissectum (Meadow Thistle) and Wahlenbergia hederacea (Ivy-leaved Bellflower) etc. For more energetic members of the party, Llyn Gynon has Luronium natans (Floating Water-plantain), Nitella gracilis (Slender Stonewort) and historical Pilularia globulifera (Pillwort) etc.

A walk along the River Slaney to look at aquatic species such as Callitriche truncata (Short-leaved Water-starwort) and Ruppia maritima var. brevirostris (Beaked Tasselweed), and a variety of Potamogeton spp. (Pondweeds). There is a marsh to explore which has a good mixture of species including Oenanthe fistulosa (Tubular Water-dropwort) if the area hasn’t been grazed. There will also be areas of woodland and semi-natural grassland to look at. Fairly easy walking, but can be muddy in places.

Meet at 11:00am in the Ballyhoge church car park (S982 294).

A joint meeting with the Wild Flower Society

 The aim of the meeting is to show Minuartia recurva (Recurved Sandwort) found in 2006 new for Co. Waterford. While there we will do a population count of the Sandwort. This is a harsh walk; a good level of fitness is required. Strong footwear is a must. This is a joint meeting with the Wild Flower Society.

Meeting point will be the forest car park at 11:00am on the side of the R676, the Lemybrien to Carrick-on-Siur road (S341 102).

We will focus on urban plants and explore various habitats and areas around Carrigtwohill. Please bring suitable clothing and footwear for all weather conditions, sun protection, a packed lunch and hand lens and ID book if you have them.

Meet at 10:00am at the train station carpark in Carrigtwohill (W81897380).

Much of the Campsie Fells has been poorly recorded in recent years, despite supporting a range of interesting upland habitats and species. This meeting will explore the south slopes of the Campsies above Queenzieburn, taking in a range of habitats including narrow stream gorges, outcrops and waterbodies, and aims to record across a number of previously unexplored monads. There are small areas of limestone bedrock here, potentially holding interesting calcareous species, and old records of unusual plants such as Sedum villosum (Hairy Stonecrop) and Cryptogramma crispa (Parsley Fern) suggest the area may repay further investigation.

This area has some access tracks, but much of the day will be spent on rough, untracked ground, exposed to the elements. Parking will be available nearby, with the meeting location to be confirmed depending on the number of attendees. Everyone from beginners to experts are welcome to join us, but places are limited so booking is essential.

An opportunity to examine the flora of Killard Point NNR including the recently discovered colony of Spiranthes spiralis (Autumn Lady’s-tresses) at its only site in Northern Ireland and record along the coast at Legnaboe including a visit to the colony of Limonium procerum subsp. procerum (Tall Sea-lavender).

Meeting point to be arranged.

This workshop aims to introduce the identification of some common ferns and is for complete and utter beginners in fern identification. Ferns are often thought of as difficult, so participants will gain some foundational knowledge which may then be confidently built upon through outings, field meetings and workshops elsewhere. Introductory work in the classroom with experienced tutors will be followed by fieldwork along the wooded shore of Loch Lomond. The programme will be tailored carefully, assuming no previous knowledge. All course materials will be provided and included in the cost of the workshop: £40 (50% discount for BSBI members and full-time students). Places are limited, booking essential.

Joint with the London Natural History Society

The LNHS visited this area in 2018 and made several significant records of aquatic plants for the county, particularly Potamogeton spp. (Pondweeds); we will be aiming to re-record some of these species as well as explore of parts of this complex area of waterways with the aim of finding other regionally scare wetland and aquatic plants such as Hydrocharis morsus-ranae (Frog-bit), Cardamine amara (Large Bitter-cress) and Thalictrum flavum (Common Meadow-rue). This meeting is suitable for beginners and for more experienced botanists. Please bring a packed lunch.

Meet at 11:00am outside West Drayton Overground station, Station Approach, West Drayton (TQ06108013).

This meeting aims to introduce participants to the main indicator species which assist in habitat classifications, touching on several Phase 1 habitats and NVC plant communities. The workshop is not suitable for complete beginners but is more aimed at those who have some basic or intermediate plant identification skills who are also interested in understanding the relationships between plant species and the habitats in which they grow. (Please note this is not a training course on Phase 1 habitat or NVC surveys but rather a workshop to assist participants in identifying key plant species in different habitats).

The meeting is open to all members of BSBI and Botanical Society of Scotland (BSS) or anyone else who may have an interest (priority will be given to BSBI and BSS members in the first instance). It is likely that the workshop will involve some rough walking over the open hill in places. Come prepared for a day in the hills! Places are limited, booking essential. £40 (50% discount for BSS and BSBI members and full-time students).

Please note this meeting is now fully booked.

This field trip will visit the Correl Glen, one of the best temperate rain forests in the North of Ireland where we will see both Tunbridge and Wilson’s Filmy-ferns Hymenophyllum tunbrigense and H. wilsonii, Hay-scented Buckler-fern Dryopteris aemula and oak trees covered in mosses and Polypody ferns. We will then visit some north facing sandstone scarps in Lough Navar Forest where we will see Shade Horsetail Equisetum pratense, One-sided Wintergreen Orthilia secunda, Green Spleenwort Asplenium viride, Brittle Bladder-fern Cystopteris fragilis and Blue Moor-grass Sesleria caerulea, a speciality of western Ireland and the Yorkshire Dales. We should also come across Cowberry Vaccinium vitis-idaea and Lesser Twayblade Neottia/Listera cordata.

This field trip is suitable for improver and experienced botanists who are relatively fit and agile and, due to the sensitive nature of the habitat, is limited to ten people.

Meet at the car park at the entrance to Lough Navar Forest Park (GR H074547) at 10.30. We should finish by 4.00.

Bring packed lunches and be prepared for wet weather, steep slopes and very rough ground.

There are no toilets at the site.

Join Aquatic Plant expert Nick Stewart for a day in the field learning how to collect and identify aquatic plants, and/or improve your existing aquatic plant ID skills!

This event is suitable for all skill levels, from beginner to experienced botanist. You will need to bring a packed lunch and suitable footwear and clothing.

Getting started with Plant and Leaf Anatomy
Jen Farrar, BSBI Northern Ireland Botanical Skills Officer

In this webinar we will be looking at and describing the structures found in the non-flowering, vegetative parts of plants.

The webinar will focus on the most important aspects of a plant's anatomy when it comes to describing a plant and help to build confidence when using a key.

Topics covered will include the leaf arrangement; determining where the secondary bud is positioned in relation to the leaf stem and how this informs our understanding of the leaf structure; leaf structure; describing the shape of a leaf blade; describing the edge, base and tip of a leaf blade; bark characteristics, bud shape.

Timing

The webinar will begin at 7:00pm. You will only be able to view the video and audio of the speaker and panellists but a Q&A feature will be live throughout for questions, which we will try to get through in the course of the evening.

 This webinar is made possible thanks to DAERA-funding for our Botanical Skills Project in Northern Ireland.

Getting started with Plant Keys
Jen Farrar, BSBI Northern Ireland Botanical Skills Officer

In this webinar we will be working through how to use a key to identify a plant to species.

The webinar will focus on building confidence to begin using keys to identify a plant. Using commonly available plants and flowers we will work through a key step by step together. Step one: How to identify the plant family. Step two: How to use a family key to identify the plant genus. Step three: How to use a genus key to identify a plant to species.

The webinar will also cover Useful equipment to have when using a key; How to use a hand lens to look at key characteristics described in a key; Where things might go wrong when using a key and how to solve problems and Finding the key which works best for you.

Timing

The webinar will begin at 7:00pm. You will only be able to view the video and audio of the speaker and panellists but a Q&A feature will be live throughout for questions, which we will try to get through in the course of the evening.

 This webinar is made possible thanks to DAERA-funding for our Botanical Skills Project in Northern Ireland.

An Introduction to the Horsetails (Equisetum spp.) of Fermanagh, Ireland, and the UK
Robert Northridge; Vice-county Recorder for Fermanagh for over 40 years and joint author, with Ralph Forbes, of the Flora of Fermanagh.

More than half the world's horsetails grow in Robert's home county of Fermanagh and, by extension, Ireland and the UK. His presentation will show all the Irish species together with several of the hybrids, as well as pictures of key features which are useful in identification.

Timing

The webinar will begin at 7:00pm. You will only be able to view the video and audio of the speaker and panellists but a Q&A feature will be live throughout for questions, which we will try to get through in the course of the evening.

 This webinar is made possible thanks to DAERA-funding for our Botanical Skills Project in Northern Ireland.

Our Winter Talks take place on Zoom.

The Monkey Orchid (Orchis simia) is restricted to only three populations in the UK, however it has been the subject of hybridisation events with other anthropomorphic Orchis species.

In this talk, Dr David Roberts of the University of Kent, will look at the pollination ecology of O. simia and its conservation challenges.

Identifying trees and twigs in winter for complete beginners Murlough NT NNR, Dundrum, Co. Down

Grasses and grassland habitats
Dr Maria Long works for the Scientific Advice and Research Directorate of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), an executive agency of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in Ireland.

Maria will introduce some of the main grassland types found in Ireland, and will talk us through some tips and tricks for identification of some key species. This talk will be aimed at beginners and improvers.

Timing

The webinar will begin at 7:00pm. You will only be able to view the video and audio of the speaker and panellists but a Q&A feature will be live throughout for questions, which we will try to get through in the course of the evening.

This webinar is made possible thanks to DAERA-funding for our Botanical Skills Project in Northern Ireland.

Identifying plants from leaf rosettes and seed pods in winter, Drumnaph Nature Reserve, Maghera, Co. Derry.

Identifying Ferns for complete beginners Murlough NT NNR, Dundrum, Co. Down.

David Earl, County Recorder for Lancashire and BSBI Referee for Rubus in Northern England and North Wales

This talk will cover some of the more widespread species of Rubus that occur in Northern Ireland and will include images of the features that aid identification

Timing

The webinar will begin at 7:00pm. You will only be able to view the video and audio of the speaker and panellists but a Q&A feature will be live throughout for questions, which we will try to get through in the course of the evening.

This webinar is made possible thanks to DAERA-funding for our Botanical Skills Project in Northern Ireland.

Identifying Ferns for complete beginners, Drumnaph Nature Reserve, Maghera, Co. Derry.

The sixth England Annual Meeting and AGM will be an afternoon Zoom meeting. In addition to a short AGM, there will be a mix of short talks, a keynote talk and the Chair’s address on “Declining arable plants”. Further details will be on the England Annual Meeting webpage and an email invitation will be extended to members.

This residential meeting is aimed at all BSBI members, especially County Recorders and referees, who make botanical records. There will be a mix of talks, walks and workshops, with plenty of time for general discussion.

Full information can be found on the Recorders' Conferences & Meetings webpage and on the event booking page.

Joint with the London Natural History Society. Meet at the entrance to the reserve on Old Lodge Way (TQ162923) at 11:00 (11:00-16:00).

The reserve consists of a mosaic of ancient woodland (Heriot's Wood), acid grassland, neutral grassland, scrub, streams and wetlands. In addition to general recording, we will also be looking for populations of Anemone nemorosa (Wood Anemone), Betonica officinalis (Betony), Campanula rotundifolia (Harebell), Carex distans (Distant Sedge), C. paniculata (Greater Tussock-sedge), C. pseudocyperus (Cyperus Sedge), C. strigosa (Thin-spiked Wood-sedge), Danthonia decumbens (Heath-grass), Dactylorhiza praetermissa (Southern Marsh-orchid), Pimpinella major (Greater Burnet-saxifrage), Ranunculus flammula (Lesser Spearwort), Potentilla erecta (Tormentil), Sanicula europaea (Sanicle), Silene flos-cuculi (Ragged-Robin), Succisa pratensis (Devil's-bit Scabious) & Veronica montana (Wood Speedwell) all of which are increasingly uncommon or rare in Greater London. We also aim to refind the very rare hybrid Cardamine x fringsii (C. flexuosa x pratensis). Suitable for beginners and experts.

Please contact Mark Spencer to reserve a space.

A few years ago, just before the effects of Ash Dieback took hold, Astrid visited all the Cardamine bulbifera (Coralroot) populations in the Chilterns that she could find (30), repeating the observations of A. Showler and T. Rich (published 1993). She was also fortunate enough to locate the three populations studied by Showler (1988), and it is in these woodlands that the day will be spent. The targets are Millfield Wood, Booker Common and Park Wood, found west of High Wycombe. These woodlands have seen tremendous change, from the loss of Elm to the loss of Ash. Please join her on a fascinating journey, taking a look at the ecology of this enigmatic plant and other woodland species in these Chilterns’ woodlands. There is quite a story to tell here!

Booking essential. Maximum 15 people

A circular walk through the sunken sandy lanes and forest tracks, with views out to sea. Where we should see some of the rare annuals that occur in this unique Irish habitat. These include Lotus subbiflorus (Hairy Bird's-foot-trefoil) and Trifolium subterraneum (Subterranean Clover). It is also hoped that we will see Filago germanica (Common Cudweed), Geranium columbinum (Long-stalked Crane's-bill), Medicago arabica (Spotted Medick), Ornithopus perpusillus (Bird's-foot). Fairly easy walking.

Joint with the London Natural History Society.

Meet at the Hampton Wick War Memorial on Hampton Court Road (TQ17486933) at 11.00 (11:00-16:00). Hampton Court Park contains a mosaic of acid and neutral grassland, as well as woodland and wetland habitats. It is part of the Bushy Park and Home Park Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The site includes regionally scarce plants especially clovers such as Trifolium micranthum (Slender Trefoil), Trifolium glomeratum (Clustered Clover), Trifolium striatum (Knotted Clover), Trifolium ornithopodioides (Bird’s Foot Clover) and Trifolium subterraneum (Subterranean Clover). In addition to general recording there are also a variety of sedges and rushes that we aim to find. The park is also a stronghold for Scilla autumnalis (Autumn Squill) flowering later in the year. Suitable for beginners and experts.

Sedges tell us more about their habitat than practically any other group of plants so identifying them to species is critical. We will visit a riverside and fen area to see 20-30 species in the field and fix them in the mind. They will be mostly Carex but will not avoid plants with petals at this flowery time of year! Rubber boots essential.

The Anne Valley Walk follows the Anne River meandering through forest and marsh from the townland of Ballyphillip in the north to Annestown in the south. We will be meeting in the middle of the walk at Dunhill Castle and Graveyard carpark. We will be hoping to see a wide range of woodland and wetland plants. This is a meeting suitable for botanists of all levels, however it will be aimed at beginners and intermediates who wish to learn more about the more common species likely to be encountered in the habitats we will be visiting. Please bring sturdy boots, a packed lunch, water, suitable clothing (hat, waterproofs etc.) and a hand lens.

Meeting: 10:30 a.m. at S50389 00706

Meet at front entrance of Woolwich Underground Station (TQ438790) at 11:00 (11:00-16:00). This potentially bracing walk along the Thames Towpath towards Tripcock Ness will take in complex mixtures of coastal grazing and saltmarsh remnant species as well as diverse assemblages of urban neophyte plant communities and habitat creation schemes. In addition to general recording, we will also be looking for populations of Apium graveolens (Wild Celery), Bolboschoenus laticarpus (Inland Club-rush), Cochlearia anglica (English Scurvygrass), Cynodon dactylon (Bermuda-grass), Inula conyzae (Ploughman's-spikenard), Juncus compressus (Round-fruited Rush), J. gerardii (Saltmarsh Rush), Lotus tenuis (Narrow-leaved Bird's-foot-trefoil), Myosotis ramosissima (Early Forget-me-not), Plantago maritima (Sea Plantain), Securigera varia (Crown Vetch), Trifolium subterraneum (Subterranean Clover), Tripolium pannonicum (Sea Aster) & Triglochin maritima (Sea Arrowgrass), all of which are increasingly uncommon or rare in Greater London. Suitable for beginners and experts.

The aim of this botany walk will be to identify as many different species of grasses (Poaceae) as possible, taking advantage of the variety of habitats encountered on the way. This is an ideal day to practice knowledge of grass identification and observe a variety of floral and vegetative characters.

The walk will follow the coastal path on rights of way and there will be full consideration of the conservation value of the habitats visited. Last year we observed nearly 50 taxa of Poaceae, including a range of common grasses, seaside species and rarer taxa such as Koeleria macrantha (Crested Hair-grass), Bromopsis inermis (Hungarian Brome), and Anisantha madritensis (Compact Brome).

All grass enthusiasts welcome, however complete beginners at grass identification should expect a steep learning curve. Numbers limited to 20. All participants come at their own risk. The distance is about 3.5 miles but expect to walk more including some steep coastal slopes. Meeting 10:00 a.m. on Marske-by-the-Sea main square by the roundabout (Marske-by-the-Sea TS11 7LD, NZ63472228) with a chance to use the public toilets, shops and cafes, for a prompt departure at 10:15 a.m. Please bring packed lunch and drinking water as we will not be arriving into Saltburn-by-the-Sea until later in the afternoon. Saltburn has public toilets, shops, etc. as well as trains and bus services to get you back to Marske.

This field meeting will take place in Morgan's North, which is a species-rich dry calcareous grassland, with outcrops, located on the Shannon Estuary. This site will be added to the Great Irish Grasslands 'Grasslands Trail'. This trail provides examples of semi-natural grassland sites around the country, which can be visited by the public to showcase their incredible diversity and sensitive management. The meeting is open to all and is intended as a general recording trip. However, the opportunity for learning and teaching at this event is always welcomed, and a relaxed pace can be taken. Some notable species at this site include Viola hirta (Hairy Violet) which is a Flora Protection Order species. We hope to observe this species. Other notable species include Gentianella campestris (Field Gentian), Gentianella amarella (Autumn Gentian), Artemisia maritima (Sea Wormwood), Ophrys apifera (Bee Orchid) and many other species typical of calcareous grassland. If time and access allows, we can also explore the shoreline of the Shannon Estuary, and a small brackish pond where Ruppia maritima (Beaked Tasselweed) has also been recorded. Please bring appropriate footwear (boots/wellies) and rain gear in the event of bad weather, and a packed lunch. Due to the limited parking on site, carpooling may be required. Further logistical details will be provided closer to the time.

Joint with the Wildflower Society

This excursion will aim to visit the iconic site of Little Kilrannoch, with its ultra-mafic rocks and unique assemblage of plants including Silene suecica (Alpine catchfly), Cherleria sedoides (Cyphel), Armeria maritima (Thrift), Cochlearia micacea (Mountain Scurvygrass) and the possibly unique endemic population of Cerastium fontanum subsp. scoticum (Scottish Mouse-ear). On the way up there will be opportunities to find a good range of characteristic Scottish alpine plants and a range of unusual sedges such as Carex rariflora (Mountain Bog-sedge) and two uncommon hybrids of Carex bigelowii (Stiff Sedge). Depending on weather conditions on the day we may also explore Craig Maude, but whichever route we take the day is likely to involve some significantly challenging hill-walking over steep and boggy or rocky ground.

Meeting: 10:30 at the Glen Doll Car park (NO283761). Note that coin payment is required; there are toilets and a visitor centre.

Based in Norwich. Further information to follow.

Northumberland is well-known for its rich and extensive dune grasslands which harbour a distinctive flora in which Geranium sanguineum (Bloody Crane's-bill), Astragalus danicus (Purple Milk-vetch), Thalictrum minus (Lesser Meadow-rue) and Rosa spinosissima (Burnet Rose) and several scarce annuals are distinctive components, as are several orchid species. Associated habitats such as salt-marsh and strand-line are also of interest. We aim to spend the Saturday on Low Newton Links, including a visit to the mainland tern colony, and the Sunday on Holy Island (Lindisfarne), remaining on the island while the tide is up. The dune-slacks here have a rich flora with Pyrola rotundifolia (Round-leaved Wintergreen) and huge displays of Epipactis, including E. dunensis (Dune Helleborine). Beginners welcome. We aim to meet at a venue yet to be identified for the evenings of July 4-6.

The peaks at either end of this range – Beinn Airigh Charr to the west, and Slioch to the east – were re-surveyed in 2017, but the central mountains on the north side of Loch Maree deserve another look. Arguably, their current dearth of records is due to their inaccessibility: it’s a long walk in from either end. Search lists can be made available for participants who’d prefer single days or nights, or low-level routes only, but the main aim – weather permitting – will be to camp for two nights, to give a realistic opportunity to survey the peaks and some of the crags of Beinn Lair and Sgurr Dubh. Target species will include Asplenium septentrionale (Forked Spleenwort), Carex capillaris (Hair Sedge), Juncus biglumis (Two-flowered Rush), Micranthes nivalis (Alpine Saxifrage), Poa alpina (Alpine Meadow-grass), Poa glauca (Glaucous Meadow-grass) and Polystichum lonchitis (Holly-fern). Those tackling the high levels should be mountain-fit.

This will be a general recording event close to Lough Conn, and will explore heath, Lough Conn lakeshore and sessile oak woodland. Limited to 15 individuals.

Time: 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

This two day meeting will explore a range of habitats in West Galway. On Saturday there will be a walk to Mám Éan, in the Maumturk mountain range to explore bog, heath and rock outcrop areas. A number of rarer montane species such as Saxifraga oppositifolia (Purple Saxifrage), Asplenium viride (Green Spleenwort) and Thalictrum minus (Lesser Meadow-rue), have been recorded from the area in the past and it would be nice to refind these. On Sunday a number of woodland areas north of Moycullen will be visited.

Meet: L903503 (Mám Éan).

Joint with National Trust for Scotland and Perthshire Society of Natural Science.

This meeting will provide field training in the identification of grasses, sedges and rushes and repeats by popular request the training event held for several consecutive years at Ben Lawers. Copies of the booklets Start to Identify Grasses and Start to Identify Sedges & Rushes are recommended and will be available for purchase on the day. The meeting is open to all members of BSBI, NTS, PSNS and anyone else interested, whatever level they are at. After some revision on what to look for, we will split into those who want to go on up the hill (perhaps those with more experience of grasses etc) and those preferring to stay on lower ground (and/or perhaps needing more ID guidance). Places are limited, booking essential.

This meeting will take place over two days to enable a thorough exploration of this impressive coastal nature reserve, which stretches for 8 km between Saltfleet and Mablethorpe and contains a wide range of coastal habitats including saltmarsh, mobile and fixed dunes as well as freshwater marsh and ponds. The visit is timed to coincide with flowering of many of the key coastal plants including Limonium spp. (Sea-lavenders), Epipactis palustris (Marsh Helleborine), Salsola kali (Saltwort) and Sagina nodosa (Knotted Pearlwort). The terrain is mostly gentle, though there are steep slopes or steps up a few of the larger fixed dunes. Other coastal and ancient woodland nature reserves are within easy travelling distance of Mablethorpe, which has a plenty of accommodation opportunities. Beginners will be particularly welcome.

The meeting will start at 10:00 at a location to be confirmed.

We will visit less-recorded lochs and adjoining moorland in the northern part of the Galloway Forest Park, within Ayrshire, in hectad NX49. Target tetrads will be finalised nearer the time once we have numbers attending and up-to-date information on access (some car parks/forest roads may be closed for forestry operations). We hope to go to some of: Loch Bradan, L. Brecbowie, L. Goosie, Ballochling Loch, Derclach Loch and L. Finlas and maybe climb Craiglee (523 m), the highest point in hectad.

These are mostly oligotrophic lochs and the surrounding areas have wet and dry heath, blanket bog and rock habitats, with local flushes, marshes and acid grassland. Forestry track verges are often species rich! Interesting species we may see include Lobelia dortmanna (Water Lobelia), Utricularia spp. (Bladderworts), Vaccinium oxycoccus (Cranberry), Drosera anglica (Greater Sundew), Dryopteris carthusiana (Narrow Buckler-fern), Neottia cordata (Lesser Twayblade), Solidago virgaurea (Goldenrod) and Huperzia selago (Fir Clubmoss). There are also notable old records to try and refind.

The area is also in the proposed Galloway National Park, currently undergoing a consultation exercise.

Meeting: we will start each day in a forestry car park, full details will be sent to those who book. It might be possible to collect some attendants from Maybole train station and other local stations.

Joint with the London Natural History Society.

Meet on the north side of the bridge crossing Twickenham Road (TQ17797531) at 11.00 (11:00-16:00). Joint LNHS and BSBI recording session. This site on the Thames Floodplain is currently being restored by the Rewilding Arcadia project and is showing promising signs of recovery. It contains naturally flooding areas as well as recently dug ephemeral ponds. In addition to general recording of wetland plants we aim to re-record the scarce grass Leersia oryzoides (Rice Cutgrass) as well as confirming the presence of Urtica dioica subsp. galeopsifolia (Fen Nettle). Other wetland plants we aim to find include Alopecurus geniculatus (Marsh Foxtail) and Myosotis secunda (Creeping Forget-me-not). Suitable for beginners and experts.

When available there will be more information here and on the Conference web page.

Edge Hill University, Lancashire. Save the date! Further details will be made available soon on the Conference webpage.