Take part in the New Year Plant Hunt

As winter takes hold, the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland (BSBI) is gearing up for its winter citizen-science initiative – the New Year Plant Hunt. We invite everyone to be a part of this exciting venture, exploring the wonders of winter flora and contributing valuable data to understand how our plants are responding to our changing climate.

The New Year Plant Hunt is not just a stroll in the park; it's a remarkable citizen-science endeavour that uncovers the floral secrets of winter and sheds light on the impact of climate change. With warmer winters potentially altering the flowering times of plants and impacting the other wildlife species who depend on them, BSBI needs your keen eyes and passion for nature to track these changes.

A frozen Lesser Celendine (BSBI)

Perhaps surprisingly, many plants defy the chill and bloom in midwinter. Last year's Hunt recorded nearly 500 different species – but don't be intimidated! This number included many widespread, common and easily identifiable species. To make things even more accessible, BSBI provides a handy spotter sheet featuring the top 20 species recorded in previous years. And there's extra support available to help ID the trickiest plants.

Joining the New Year Plant Hunt is a breeze. From 30 December-2 January, take a leisurely walk outdoors, observe the wildflowers in bloom and submit your findings through our recording app. Your contribution isn't just a walk in the park; it's a crucial piece of the puzzle in climate research.

Embrace the beauty of winter, delve into the world of wildflowers, and make a difference by participating in the New Year Plant Hunt. Let's kick-start 2024 by uncovering nature's response to our changing world. Register now at BSBI's New Year Plant Hunt page and be a part of this exciting journey.

Inspecting an Alder tree (BSBI).

But wait, there's more! If you're feeling inspired, why not organise your own New Year Plant Hunt event? Let BSBI know, and it will add your event to the page of organised group hunts taking place across Britain and Ireland, giving you the chance to contribute even more to this fantastic initiative.

Let's make the New Year Plant Hunt 2024 the biggest one yet. Spread the word, grab your walking shoes, and join us in uncovering the botanical wonders of winter!

Find out more at bsbi.org/new-year-plant-hunt.