Training

I want to learn botany...

Short Identification Courses

There are many short identification courses available from various providers throughout the country. These are a good way to start out in botany, or to learn a new group of plants. BSBI experts and referees teach on many of these. Try...

>> Field Studies Council

>> Ptyxis Ecology

Professional Development

For the last 15 years the BSBI has worked closely with the University of Birmingham to develop and run a nationally acclaimed programme of professional development courses. However, in response to government funding cuts, the University has decided to axe the programmes for fear of losing revenue. The BSBI is disappointed with this pre-emptive action and has written to the vice chancellor to register our dismay.

Other University courses

Not many universities offer degrees in botany these days, but here are some that do:-

FISCs

Over the last 5 years, Training & Education Committee has developed Field Identification Skills Certificates, to test how good you really are at botany. Turn to the FISC page...

Grants and Bursaries

Training grants

Grants of up to £250 are available for aspiring botanists who want to go on short training courses. You do not need to be a member to apply. Typical applicants would include recent graduates looking to start a career in botany, or take part in interest-led botanical recording.

>> Grant application form

Study Grants

Undergraduate and Postgraduate Study Grants of up to £1,000 are available to botany students.

>> how to apply

Conference Bursaries

Students can apply for bursaries towards the cost of conferences.

Email Dr Sarah Whild with any queries.

BSBI Library

Our library is hosted for us at the University of Birmingham’s premises in Shrewsbury.

Most of our books and journals come from donations, and we can guarantee to take responsible care of anything that we receive. Duplicates and surplus material is found a good home at Field Centres around the country.

We also digitize our own publications and books that are out of copyright, copies of which are held in the library.

If you are interested in donating, to the library, please contact Sarah Whild.

We are grateful to the following for contributions:

Mike Atkinson, Chris Boon, Michael Braithwaite, Mary Briggs, Karl Crowther, Trevor Dines, Bob Ellis, Gwynn Ellis, Jean Green, Simon Leach, Audrey Locksley, Ian McNeill, Roy Maycock, Richard Middleton, Richard Pankhurst, James Partridge, Sharon Pilkington, Mike Poulton, Richard Pryce, Paul Reade, Clive Stace, Wiltshire Botanical Society, Goronwy Wynne, Brian & Barbara Ballinger, The University of Hull, William Peter Wheldon

and to the estates of...

Alan Underhill, Alice Lambert, John Lavender, John Ounsted, Melody Ryle and Max Walters.

Training & Education Committee

Members of the committee are: Sarah Whild (chair), Sue Townsend (secretary), Paul Ashton, John Bailey, Ian Bonner, Peter Gateley, Brenda Harold, Alex Lockton & Clare O’Reilly.

Resources for beginners

A leaflet written by Clare O’Reilly with suggestions for beginners on how to get started in botany.

Careers Advice

Are you hoping to study to be a botanist but don't know what degree to take or how to specialize? Download the Connexions Botany Careers Leaflet here.

Schools

For a web site aimed at school age children, visit SAPS.