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
Plant of the Month
November
Narrow-leaved Ragwort Senecio inaequidens
Anyone who has travelled along the M4 between Bath and Bristol recently has probably spotted the numerous plants of this species flowering on the central reservation, together with Oxford Ragwort S. squalidus.
Whilst still quite scarce in Wiltshire, Narrow-leaved Ragwort (which is an introduced but apparently non-invasive herb) seems to be gradually increasing, especially in urban situations where seed may have been brought in with soil from the home counties or other districts where it is common. Look for it in pavement or kerb cracks near roads. It has very narrow (linear), entire and unlobed upper leaves so is very easily distinguished from our other ragworts.
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.
