Miranda Bane

Our programme of winter talks & webinars is live! From evolutionary adaptations of plants to forensic botany' from Mistletoe to Water Sedge; from queer botany to urban botany. Talks every Wednesday evening from 28 Oct through to spring. Love plants? Book for our winter talks bsbi.org/take-part/ev...

Spear-leaved Willowherb has been recorded in Ireland for the first time! Spotted by top botanist & former BSBI Ireland Officer, Paul Green, in Co. Wexford @bsbiireland.bsky.social But how did it arrive on Irish shores? That's what we'll be trying to find out. Find out more: bsbi.org/about/news/p...

Very excited to be starting with @bsbibotany.bsky.social as the #LocalChange project coordinator. Polishing my hand lens and cleaning the mud off my boots - let's go! 🔎 🥾 🌱

It hasn’t been the warmest day but a sheltered spot along a hawthorn hedge was perfect for a #FITCount - 20 pollinating insects counted in 10mins. You just have to look closely! 👀 @pomscheme.bsky.social

An evening walk through the woods back in May 2021. #PhotoDeclutter

Thrift and Pignut - two of my favourite wildflowers. Still mining memories of cliff paths in Cornwall. Here is the path and the view as you come round into Looe. A lovely walk.

More cliff walk flowers from the 2021 archive. We walked from Talland Bay to Looe and enjoyed some fish and chips in the sun. I remember it was so warm sitting against the wall in the harbour. 🌞 It’s really lovely looking back at these flowers and remembering where we were #PhotoDeclutter

Milkwort, Speedwell and Bird’s-foot-trefoil on the coast path near Looe in Cornwall from a trip back in 2021. Weird to see us wearing facemasks in some of the photos but good memories of warm days on the cliffs and swimming in the sea. #PhotoDeclutter

Citizen science is a fantastic way to explore your local environment while contributing to valuable scientific research. From monitoring wildlife & trees to recording environmental data, there are numerous ways for people of all ages to get involved in conservation projects. buff.ly/ZKD97a2

Listen to the slow-motion buzz of this Red-tailed bumblebee enjoying a dandelion buffet 🌼🐝 Many plants considered as “weeds” are great sources of food for bumblebees. By letting these plants grow this #NoMoMay – and, if you can, beyond – you’ll be making a big difference for bumblebees ❤️

This is one of my favourite spring things - when plants emerge from the soil with such force they punch straight through the leaves lying above them. An old photo from March 2021 in Glasgow. #PhotoDeclutter

We are only two days in but #NoMowMay is already bringing me so much joy. I spotted the blue of the forget-me-nots from the bedroom window and had to rush out to see them close up. 🌼🌸

NEW: a "Quick Guide" to FIT Counts (pdf) is now available from the PoMS website, providing a summary of how to do the counts and how to recognise the insect groups. This is a welcome addition to our more detailed guides, which are of course still available as well! ukpoms.org.uk/news/quick-g...

An excellent start to #BES2023 in Belfast with a welcome from the chair Yadvinder Malhi and plenary lecture from @isabella_tree Inspirational images of the @KneppWilding estate. Sparked lots of discussion over tea about land use, #agriculture, #rewilding and future pathways.

A good point, and well-illustrated #NotJustBees #ento

TODAY: Flies...pollination...the field site with the best view! Intrigued? Join me at the Dipterists Day with @DipteristsForum & @NtlMuseumsScot (link to join online). Can't wait to speak on behalf of UK PoMS about the Pollinator Monitoring Scheme in Scotland. dipterists.org.uk/news/update-...