ABOUT US
The BSBI is for everyone who is interested in the flora of Britain and Ireland. We trace our origins back to 1836, when the society was founded as the Botanical Society of London. We are now one of the world's largest contributors of biological records: our data inform scientific research and underpin evidence-based conservation.
From our earliest days we have welcomed both professional and amateur members: BSBI remains the biggest and most active organisation devoted to the study of botany in Britain, Ireland, the Channel Isles and the Isle of Man. Our training, outreach and research programmes continue to support botanists at all skill levels.
An education and training grants programme supported by BSBI aims to bring high quality botanical training within the reach of all; scientific research on British botany is supported by our staff and officers, and through our research grants scheme, while our outreach activities help us reach new audiences and attract the next generation of botanists.
The BSBI produces national Atlases and county Floras of the distribution of plants. We publish British and Irish Botany and hold conferences, workshops, indoor and field meetings. Members are kept informed by a newsletter three times a year and are invited to make use of our system of County Recorders and national referees who can help with the identification of plants.
Our mission
To advance the study, understanding and enjoyment of wild plants and support their conservation in Britain and Ireland. We do this through:
Providing a forum for botanists to communicate and exchange ideas through meetings, conferences, publications and electronic media.
Training the next generation of botanists through courses, field meetings, grants and educational materials.
Supporting the research and study of plants in Britain and Ireland through our network of county recorders, the work of our staff, access to data, and through grants.
Working with people in other organisations and other countries to encourage communication and collaboration in pursuit of shared objectives.
