Wiltshire Botanical Society

Welcome

Welcome to the Wiltshire Botanical Society. Our roots began in the 1980's when volunteers made a thorough and detailed survey of Wiltshire's flora, culminating in the publication of the Flora of Wiltshire in 1993. Instead of disbanding, the members joined together to form the Wiltshire Botanical Society. The society's aims are to:

 

  • Foster botanical knowledge and to encourage interest in our local flora
  • Increase members' knowledge and skills
  • Publicise threats to habitats and populations of wild plants
  • Undertake field meetings
  • Contribute botanical records to local and national recording schemes

 

(Lower) Plant of the Month

December


Silky Wall Feathermoss  Homalothecium sericeum 

This beautiful golden-green moss is a common sight on walls and trees with base-rich bark (ash, field maple etc.) in Wiltshire. It can form large patches that creep over masonry and bark and certainly brings a bit of cheer to places that otherwise look drab and gloomy in deep winter.


This image shows how its branches characteristically twist and curl when dry, giving it a highly distinctive appearance. After rain, the curls straighten out and it tends to look greener and less silky, a classic case of moisture-related dimorphism. Can you find any in your area?

Join Us!

We pride ourselves on being are a very friendly society and we welcome new members, whatever their age, background or level of botanical knowledge. Annual membership costs £15 (single) and £20 for couples. To join, please email Martin Buckland.


Not sure if it's for you? Potential new members are very welcome to join us free of charge for a few field meetings before committing to membership. 

Website Contributions

We always welcome news and contributions for our website. Please send them to the Webmaster, Sharon Pilkington.