Plant Gall Field Recorder Day

A plant gall is an abnormal growth of plant tissue caused by the invasion of another organism – for example, a wasp, fly, mite, fungus or even bacterium – within the plant tissue. Galls typically form on leaves, stems, roots, or flowers and come in an astonishing variety of shapes, sizes and colours. The structure itself forms due to the plant's response to irritation or chemical signals from the invading organism. Galls provide food and shelter for the invading organism inside and, while they may look unusual, are generally not harmful to the overall health of the plant.

On this Plant Gall Field Recorder Day, we invite you to join like-minded nature enthusiasts for a day of learning about, finding, identifying and recording plant galls in an informal setting. Naturalists of all levels (from total beginner to expert) are encouraged to attend, share their experiences with peers and help one another improve their knowledge and build confidence in biological recording. Plant gall specialist Tommy Root will be leading the day and providing guidance throughout.

What will the day involve?

• An introduction to recording plant galls and the ID resources available.
• Practical experience of finding, identifying and recording plant galls in the field.
• Access to a knowledgeable plant gall specialist with the opportunity to discuss identification questions.
• A chance to meet like-minded nature enthusiasts.

What do I need to know in advance?

• This event is aimed at adults only.
• Attendance is free, but booking is essential as spaces are limited.
• Invertebrate recorders of all abilities are welcome, but booking is essential.
• Identification will take place in the field whenever possible, but some plant gall specimens may need to be collected for further examination and ID at a later date.
• We'll be outside for the whole day so please bring suitable clothing for the weather
• Please bring food for the day with you (i.e. lunch)
• All records collected will be added to iRecord in order to share our findings with the site managers, Greenspace Information for Greater London (GiGL), London Natural History Society (LNHS) and relevant national recording schemes and societies.
• Check out our Info for Field Recorder Day Attendees page for more info (including instructions for setting up iRecord): https://biologicalrecording.co.uk/info-for-field-recorder-day-attendees/

Plant Gall Specialist: Tommy Root

Tommy Root is an experienced recorder for the British Plant Gall Society and also serves as the London Natural History Society Plant Gall Recorder.

Margravine Cemetery

This Field Recorder Day will take place at Margravine Cemetery, a large Victorian cemetery in the London borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. The cemetery was established in 1869, but many of the original gravestones were buried or removed in the 1950s, leaving areas to return to grassland and woodland, and thus transforming the cemetery into a green oasis in the borough. Today, the local Friends of Margravine Cemetery group works hard to provide ample habitat for wildlife on the site, including protecting and monitoring more than 500 different trees on site.

More information about the site can be found here and here.

This event is being delivered by the Biological Recording Company in partnership with Hammersmith and Fulham Council and the London Natural History Society (LNHS).