Botany for everyone
Promoting the study, understanding and enjoyment of British and Irish botany since 1836.
Happening now
About the BSBI
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 in our time.
Botany in your area
56 million records
The largest database of its kind. We hold over 56 million botanical records with more than 300 million data points.
95 years
Our recorders have been formally collecting botanical records since 1930.
4,700+ members
Our growing community, spanning amateurs to academics, is always welcoming new members.
Latest
News
26 June 2026
If the heat is making you want to take to the hills, don’t forget that anyone can sign up to take part in the Irish Upland Plants Project. The aim is to refind a suite of 48 upland plants in places …
It has been a whirlwind May and June for the Botanical Skills Northern Ireland project, which hosted 16 events ranging from beginner wildflower walks to advanced bramble identification workshops. The …
Blog
22 June 2026
Every year, organisations across Britain and Ireland come together to raise awareness of the impact of invasive non-native species, and the simple steps we can all take to help protect the …
18 June 2026
Earlier this year, BSBI trustee Nicola Tainton started Identiplant, the BSBI's online plant ID course. Here's Part One of her story and here's Part Two. One of the most amusing parts of her story has …
Press releases
Upcoming events
Beginner Botany Walk - Hastings
28 June 2026 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Beginner Botany Walk - Holyrood, Edinburgh
28 June 2026 10:30 am - 4:00 pm
FISC CIEEM - Coventry
30 June 2026 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
FISC CIEEM - Gloucestershire
1 July 2026 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Beginner Botany Walk - Stonesfield
2 July 2026 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
