Botanical Skills NI: Field Recording Session at Killard Nature Reserve

Ready to take your botanical skills to the next level? Join the Botanical Skills NI Project for a hands-on field recording day at one of County Down’s most spectacular coastal sites.

​This session is specifically designed for individuals who already have some foundational botanical skills and are looking to improve their identification confidence and biological recording techniques.

Event Details

• ​Date: Wednesday, 29 July 2026
• ​Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Location: Killard Nature Reserve, Co. Down (Exact meeting point details will be sent in your confirmation email)

​What to Expect

​Our focus for the day will be the unique botanical assemblages found within the rich calcareous grasslands and dunes of Killard. This is a brilliant opportunity to become familiar with the rare and specialist species that thrive in this habitat.

​Species highlights we hope to encounter include:

• ​The Rarities: Frog orchid, Lesser meadow-rue, Adder’s-tongue fern, and Autumn Lady’s-tresses.
• Coastal Grassland Classics: Kidney vetch, Sand sedge, Lady’s bedstraw, and Wild carrot.

​Accessibility & Fitness

​Please note that this training session is completely outdoors.

• ​The terrain includes uneven ground and some minor hills.
• A reasonable level of fitness is required to keep pace with the group.
• Sturdy, weather-appropriate footwear and clothing are essential.