Spring Flowers Project 2021

Spring Flowers Project 2021 Newsletter

What is it?

This project is a joint initiative between the BSBI and the National Biodiversity Data Centre which was kicked off in 2017 and comprises an agreement between both parties to target 16 easily identifiable spring flowers for recording, along with the provision of a special on-line recording form specifically for the project. The number of species increased to 16 in 2020 with an additional 4 being added in 2021 bringing the overall total to 20 species.

Not only does it encourage people to record their observations of early flowering species that can be otherwise lacking in data but like all recording, is valuable as it contributes to furthering plant conservation in Ireland. Many of the spring flowers which have been chosen for the project are very distinctive, making it a good way for those new to recording to get involved.

Why is it important?

All recording is valuable as it contributes to furthering plant conservation in Ireland. Most plant recording takes place later in the summer. This project is particularly important as it encourages records of early-flowering species that can otherwise be lacking in data. Many of the spring flowering plants are very distinctive and widespread, making it a good way for those new to recording to get involved.

Spring Flowers Project 2021 Statistics

The table below show the number of records for each species in the Spring Flowers Project.

Additional Plant Species in 2021:
Spring Gentian (Gentiana verna)
Opposite-Leaved Golden-Saxifrage (Chrysosplenium oppositifolium)
Common Whitlowgrass (Erophila verna)
Alexanders (Smyrnium olusatrum)

The table below shows the rate of recording throughout each County.

Records were submitted from all 32 counties.

We also has 985 individual recorders take part in the project, which is an additional 155 recorders when compared to 2020

The above map of Ireland show the distribution of all records for Spring Flowers Project species through Ireland’s Citizen Science Portal (https://records.biodiversityireland.ie/)

What happens to the data?

All the data is fully validated. Upon validation, it is loaded into the National Vascular Plant database held by the National Biodiversity Data Centre and made available through ‘Biodiversity Maps’. A copy is also provided to the BSBI at the end of each year. Can I submit data on other species? Yes, please submit records of any species you can confidently identify throughout the year. They can be submitted online http://records.biodiversityireland.ie or via the recording app. All records, regardless of how common the species, are very valuable and contribute towards improving our knowledge of Ireland’s flora.

Can I submit data on other species?

Yes, please submit records of any species you can confidently identify throughout the year. They can be submitted online http://records.biodiversityireland.ie or via the recording app. All records, regardless of how common the species, are very valuable and contribute towards improving our knowledge of Ireland’s flora.

Thanks once again for submitting your records for the Spring Flowers Plants project and we hope you will all take part again in 2022!