Endemic Plants of the UK and Ireland

Endemic species naturally occur in only one specific geographic area and nowhere else in the world. Endemism can also apply to subspecies, which are distinct populations within a species that have evolved unique characteristics in isolation but are not different enough to be classified as separate species. Both endemic species and endemic subspecies typically arise in isolated or specialised environments where populations adapt to local conditions over long periods of time. Because their entire distribution is restricted to a limited area, they are particularly vulnerable to habitat loss, environmental change, and other threats, making their conservation especially important.

In the UK and Ireland, endemism is relatively rare because the archipelago was connected to mainland Europe until comparatively recently. There are, however, a small number of species which have nevertheless evolved endemism. This webinar will provide an introduction to the endemic plants of the UK and Ireland, discuss what makes a species endemic, and evaluate how many true endemic plants occur in the British Isles.

James Harding-Morris will explore some of the diverse apomictic groups (including Hawkweeds, Brambles and Goldliocks Buttercups), delve into recent speciation events and the plants that are the only endemic in their group in the UK, and also look at the story of former endemic plants that have become extinct in the UK.

Some of the species that will be spotlighted in this webinar include:

• York Groundsel (Senecio eboracensis)
• Welsh Groundsel (Senecio cambrensis)
• Interrupted Brome (Bromus interruptus)
• Scottish Primrose (Primula scotica)
• Lundy Cabbage (Coincya wrightii)
• Great Orme Berry (Cotoneaster cambricus)

Whether you’re a botanist, conservation practitioner, student or plant enthusiast, this session will introduce you to the UK and Ireland’s uniquely local endemic flora, explaining how these species and subspecies arise, why they are so vulnerable, what plant groups they belong to, and the stories of both surviving and extinct endemics in the British Isles.

The 90-minute event will consist of a 1-hour presentation followed by a Q&A with the tutor using questions provided by the live audience.

The presentations will be recorded and shared with those who booked alongside Q&A transcripts and relevant links following the event via a password-protected website.

Skills For Ecology Webinars

Our Skill For Ecology webinars focus on technical skills useful in ecology and conservation roles, such as use of technology, field surveying and practical conservation skills.

This webinar is part of our Endemics Series:

• Endemic Vertebrates of the UK and Ireland (16 Apr 2026)
• Endemic Plants of the UK and Ireland (05 May 2026)
• Endemic Whitebeams of the UK and Ireland (29 Sep 2026)

Endemics Specialist: James Harding-Morris

James Harding-Morris is the author of Endemic: Exploring the wildlife unique to Britain and a passionate nature enthusiast with a lifelong love for exploring the natural world. Whether trekking up mountains in search of rare flowers, scouring fens for elusive moths, or investigating exotic invertebrates in hothouses, James's fascination with wildlife is unwavering.

In his professional life, James specialises in communications and public engagement within the conservation sector. He has played a key role in delivering high-impact campaigns such as the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch and the BSBI's New Year Plant Hunt. His work on the Back from the Brink project has inspired many to care deeply about some of England's rarest and most obscure species. Currently, James is on a mission to ensure that everyone in Britain and Ireland has the opportunity to fall in love with plants through his work with the BSBI.