@npms
National Plant Monitoring Scheme is a habitat-based plant monitoring scheme developed and run by BSBI, JNCC, Plantlife & UKCEH. The scheme would not be possible without our fab survey volunteers!
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 Dogβs 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. Photo: S. Shuttleworth
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 https://ow.ly/Qi2L50Yki55 Photo: Sarah Shuttleworth
Dydd GΕ΅yl 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?
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 π
#NPMS #plantmonitoring
Photo: Sue McBean
We are reviewing square activity ahead of spring. Keep an eye out for squares becoming available near you. If youβve 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. https://ow.ly/avmy50Y5kwu
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 https://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 https://ow.ly/vi4I50Y4kUX 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 https://ow.ly/YUgj50Y4Nzj
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 https://ow.ly/lSgm50Y3L1s
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.
https://ow.ly/Shyg50Y3nnq
Webinar - Habitat classification & designated sites 12th February 12.30 - 13.30. An overview of UK habitat classifications. We will cover the main NPMS habitat types & hear about designations for important habitats e.g. SSSI's, SPA's SAC's. Led by Neill Talbot with Rachel Murphy.
Workshop -23rd Jan - Top Tips for Plotting (your NPMS site). Join Neil Talbot for this workshop which covers tips for locating, accessing & recording your survey plots. Explore mapping, orienteering and accessibility in your NPMS square. Info & booking ow.ly/le5T50XVA7E
New year new square? Skill up for the 2026 season with our Intro to NPMS Survey & Methodology online Zoom webinar 8th January 12.30 - 14.00 great for a skills refresh or as an intro to the scheme for new volunteers. https://ow.ly/4TAV50XRSjC
πΈRos Walters
On behalf of everyone at the NPMS, thank you to all our volunteers for your efforts and contributions to the scheme throughout this our milestone 10th anniversary year. We enjoyed celebrating with you this autumn and wish you a great festive period and a Happy New Year.
New Year dates for your diary we have two webinars coming up in January
08/01 Intro to NPMS Survey & Methodology
23/01 Tips for plotting your NPMS site
Visit the events page for details & to book https://ow.ly/YVIP50XGaHA
Recordings from our #NPMS10 anniversary celebration event are now available on the NPMS Support YouTube site https://ow.ly/5IwO50XuKoo why not grab a cuppa & catch up on all the fascinating talks.
A rare wild orchid has been brought back from the brink of extinction!π₯³π±One of Britainβs most endangered orchids, Fen Orchid, is no longer considered threatened in the UK, according to the bsbibotany.bsky.social 's new GB red list. Find out how we did itπ loom.ly/02JCV8w
If you'd like to get involved and learn pratical field and botanical surveying skills, visit npms.org.uk
@jncc.bsky.social @ukceh.bsky.social @plantlifeuk.bsky.social @bsbibotany.bsky.social @npms.bsky.social
Now at #NPMS10 Sam Munnis, Nature Evidence Ecologist @nationaltrust.org.uk, tells us how @npms.bsky.social supports the Trust's Nature Strategy.
Collaborative working & partnerships are key to @npms.bsky.social success.
@bsbibotany.bsky.social is proud to be a partner in the Scheme!
So much great stuff in Oli Pescott's talk & lots of helpful links e.g. www.npms.org.uk/sites/defaul...!
Good to know that Oli's talk is being recorded & will be available very soon on the @npms.bsky.social YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@npmssupport...
@ukceh.bsky.social
Our #NPMS10 online celebration event is this Saturday! Good news - you can still book & join for all or part of the programme ow.ly/xqqf50X4fEE talks from @bsbibotany.bsky.social @plantlifeuk.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @ukceh.bsky.social as well as volunteers & stakeholders.
re you joining us on Sat 25 October at Lough Neagh Discovery Centre, Armagh? Meet other NPMS volunteers, share stories, get support. Lunch provided. Talks on botanical photography, community approach to surveying, plant ID & indicator workshops. Book now https://ow.ly/mUkK50Xb3WJ
Want to learn more about the National Plant Monitoring Scheme #npms?
Join our 10th anniversary celebrations on volunteer day in Oxford Island, Co Armagh on 25th October (www.tickettailor.com/events/botan...), or in Glenarm, Co Antrim on 6th November (www.tickettailor.com/events/botan...)
Seen the programme for our #NPMS10 anniversary online event? Join for all or part of the day. Talks by
@bsbibotany.bsky.social
@plantlifeuk.bsky.social
@ukceh.bsky.social
@jncc.bsky.social
@nationaltrust.org.uk
@chilternsnl.bsky.social
plus talks from our amazing volunteers! ow.ly/xqqf50X4fEE
