VC55: the Botany Group

The v.c. 55 group was started in 2008 by a group of botanical enthusiasts who enjoy sharing field ID tips; as of 2013, our numbers have grown to almost 200. The group encourages BSBI members and their local guests to botanise, learn and record together. We welcome both advanced and beginner botanists on our annual programme of field meetings. From April to October we focus on flowering plants and in winter we switch to gymnosperms, bryophytes and lichens; our winter talks and workshops are hosted by the University of Leicester Botanic Garden.

Email us to contact Geoffrey Hall, Uta Hamzaoui & Louise Marsh.

Local Resources

VC55 Blog - news and info for botanists in VC55

Calendar of Meetings – dates of national and local BSBI meetings - field and indoor meetings, conferences and training opportunities - local Bioblitzes and events for recorders

Species Lists/Site Records - by year from 2008 - lists the plants recorded on our field meetings.

Maps of Sites Visited

Resources for Recorders – useful info for local recorders – tips on setting up a local group

The Flora of Leicestershire & Rutland: Checklist and Rare Plant Register by Michael Jeeves; now available from Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust.

Our photograph albums

• VC55 Meetings
• VC55 Vascular plants
• VC55 Bryophytes
• VC55 Lichens

Calendar of Meetings

We hold some meetings on fixed dates and also arrange others in an impromptu manner, using suggestions from the group and an on-line polling system (Doodle) to decide the best day for the majority of participants. Meetings are usually held at weekends and last for half a day, but we also hold weekday evening meetings during the summer. Our communications are all carried out electronically, usually by email.

You are welcome to attend our meetings (there is no charge) but please consult both the BSBI Code for Field Safety and BSBI Guidance for Participants at Field Meetings beforehand.