Plant Gall Field Recorder Day

A plant gall is an abnormal growth on plant tissues caused by organisms like insects, mites, fungi, bacteria, nematodes, or viruses. These growths typically form on leaves, stems, roots, or flowers as a plant's response to irritation or chemical signals from the invading organism. Galls provide food and shelter for the organism inside. While they may look unusual, most galls are not harmful to the overall health of the plant.

Join like-minded people with an interest in recording wildlife observations for a day identifying and recording plant galls 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 gall expert Tommy Root.

What will the day involve?

• Practical experience of finding and identifying plant galls in the field.
• Access to a knowledgeable plant gall specialist with the opportunity to discuss identification questions.
• 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.
• Attendance is free, but booking is essential as spaces are limited.
• Recorders of all abilities are welcome.
• Identification will take place in the field whenever possible, but some specimens may need to be collected to be observed in more detail and identified at a later date.
• We'll be outside for the whole day so please bring suitable clothing for the weather, as well as 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.

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.

Lesnes Abbey Wood

This course will take place at Lesnes Abbey Wood. Situated in South East London, this unique site offers 88 hectares of ancient woodland, a park and a ruined abbey.

The nearest railway station is Abbey Wood Station and Lesnes Abbey Lodge is a roughly 10 minutes walk from the station. there is no parking on site. Details for getting to the site can be found on the Lesnes Abbey wood website: https://www.lesnesabbeywoods.org/plan-your-visit/directions-contact/

This event is being run as a collaboration between the Biological Recording Company and Lesnes Abbey Woods as part of the Lesnes 500 project funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.