National Plant Monitoring Scheme

Species Spotlight - Cowslip Primula veris is found in species rich grassland, with long-stalked clusters of cup-shaped yellow flowers hanging mostly towards one side. Leaves abruptly narrow to a stalk unlike Primrose, whose similar leaves taper in more gradually. Photo: Ray Woods

Happy St. Patrick's Day and a big thank you to all our NPMS volunteers in Northern Ireland. Enjoy your day and good luck getting out in the field this season ☘️

Today is International Day of Action for Rivers so what better habitats to focus on than Freshwater. Find out how to set up a linear plot for rivers, streams and ponds to record these all important habitats ow.ly/KoOg50Ykh25

This British Science Week a big thank you to our volunteer citizen scientists contributing plant monitoring data to the NPMS. Your valuable data enables us to monitor trends in species abundance and habitat health over time. Hope you enjoy getting out into the field this season!

Species Spotlight - The massed white blossoms of Blackthorn Prunus spinosa appear in hedgerows and scrub early in spring, usually before the leaves come out. Sharp thorns are located at the end of bud-bearing lateral shoots. Photo: Ava Marley

Species spotlight - Patches of Dog’s Mercury Mercurialis perennis may be found in woodland on base-rich soils. Leaves are oval, toothed & finely hairy. Erect, catkin-like male flowers & inconspicuous, bristly hairy female flowers are found on separate plants. 📸 Ava Marley

Today is World Wildlife Day. We all know that plants are the foundation of our ecosystems supporting pollinators and birdlife. Have you ever thought of monitoring wild plants for the NPMS? Look for a survey square near you ow.ly/fSP650Yki54 Photo: Sarah Shuttleworth

Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Hapus i bawb! Mae mis Mawrth wedi cyrraedd o'r diwedd. Dach chi wedi gweld unrhyw Cennin Pedr eto? Happy St. David's Day to you all! March has arrived at last. Have you seen any daffoldils yet? Photo: Karen Fisher

Today is Celandine Day February 21st marks the date often associated with the first appearance of the Lesser Celandine (Ficaria verna), a harbinger of spring, as noted by naturalist Gilbert White in 1795. Photo: Hannah Maltwood

Species spotlight - Gorse - Ulex europaeus Spiny evergreen shrub with yellow pea shaped flowers. The leaves are deeply spiny and deeply furrowed. Flowers often have a faint coconut scent. Photos: L. Sue McBean R. Deborah Long

Marsh cinquefoil is red Wall speedwell is blue We love our volunteers For all that they do 💕 #NPMS #plantmonitoring Photo: Sue McBean

We are reviewing square activity ahead of spring. Keep an eye out for squares becoming available near you. If you’ve been allocated a square for more than 2 years, but are struggling to get started check your mail to update your records. Photo: Nathalie Esselin

Reminder. A week today - Habitat classification & designated sites webinar with Neill Talbot. We'll cover designations for important habitats, useful tools & information sources, & how access permissions may be affected. ow.ly/rP4350Y5kwv

Species Spotlight - Barren Strawberry Potentilla sterilis is a low growing herb. It has small white flowers with petals separated showing the green sepals in between. It has blueish green toothed leaves with 3 leaflets. Photo Sarah Shuttleworth

Botanical Skills N. Ireland NPMS Training - Broughshane 27th Feb 10-4pm. Join BSBI Training Officer Jo Mulholland for indoor & outdoor learning on how to take part in the NPMS. Setting up plots, recording, & recognising different NPMS habitats. More info tinyurl.com/bdhatrfy

Today is World Wetlands Day raising awareness of wetlands as an important ecosystem. If you want to learn more about wetland habitats and indicator species take a look at our Wetland Wonders webinar over on our YouTube site ow.ly/BiwO50Y4kUY Photo: Cath Shelswell

30th Jan - BSBI Botanical Skills NPMS Training Co. Antrim. The Botanical Skills Northern Ireland Project are running training on the National Plant Monitoring Scheme for beginners & existing volunteers. A mix of indoor & outdoor learning. Find out more ow.ly/m9OE50Y4Nzi

Today is National Daisy Day celebrating the beauty and simplicity of the humble Daisy - Bellis perennis. These cheerful solitary white flowers are surely a signal that spring days aren't too far away. Photo: Hannah Maltwood

Wildflower Poetry Workshop Weds 4th February 18.30 Don't miss out on this popular workshop. NPMS volunteers are invited to join artist, Iris Hill to create short wildflower poems and Haiku. See our training events page for more info and to book ow.ly/7wgW50Y3L1r

As the weekend draws to a close, settle down with a cuppa & enjoy the latest NPMS Newsletter. Hear from current volunteers, catch up with scheme news and enjoy some nature poetry. All alongside our regular newsletter features. ow.ly/Shyg50Y3nnq