Botany Field Recorder Day

Join like-minded people with an interest in recording wildlife observations for a day identifying and recording plants in an informal environment. Naturalists of all levels (from beginner to expert) will be able to share their experiences with peers and help one another improve their knowledge and build confidence in biological recording, all under the guidance of botanist Mark Spencer.

What will the day involve?

• Practical experience of finding and identifying plants in the field.
• Access to a renowned botanist and the opportunity to discuss field botany.
• A chance to meet fellow like-minded people from a range of different disciplines.

What do I need to know in advance?

• This event is aimed at adults only.
• It’s free to attend and botany recorders of all abilities are welcome, but booking is essential.
• All identification will be completed in the field where possible, though please note that this event will involve some experienced individuals collecting botanical specimens for further investigation.
• We'll be outside for the whole day so please bring suitable clothing for all types of weather and please bring your lunch and any snacks you will require with you on the day.

Recording London's Wildlife

All records collected will be added to the LNHS iRecord activity 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.

Botany Specialist: Dr Mark Spencer

Mark is an experienced and internationally respected botanist. His expertise covers many disciplines including forensic botany, the plants of North-west Europe, invasive species and the history of botanical science. He also works globally as a seasoned writer, public speaker and television presenter. As a forensic botanist, Mark has worked on various missing person enquiries, murders and other serious crimes.

Belair Park and Dulwich Park

This Botany Field Recorder Day will take place at two different nearby parks in Southwark. We will meet and spend the first part of the day at Belair Park before moving on to Dulwich Park in the afternoon.

• Belair Park is a 10.6 ha park in the southern part of the London Borough of Southwark. Its features include several Grade II listed heritage structures and a medium-sized lake. In terms of biodiversity, the areas of greatest interest are likely to be within the ‘conservation area’ of un-mown grass in the north-west of the park, the margins of the lake itself, and some of the more wooded areas.
• Dulwich Park is a larger (29 ha) park due east of Belair Park, the two being separated by a small, leafy residential area. Dulwich Park features a boating lake with boardwalk, sporting facilities and some gardened areas. There are also a number of wilder areas including open patches where the grass has been left to grow long, as well as forested margins.

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