Botanical Skills NI: Montane plant recording day in Slieve Muck, Eastern Mourne Mountains

We have an exciting opportunity to find and record rare montane plants on Slieve Muck on 18 August 2026 from 11am to 4pm (subject to weather) as part of our Botanical Skills Northern Ireland Project.

This recording day will focus on the montane species which make the Mourne Mountains special. There are interesting plants recorded from the Slievemuck including rare species like Parsley Fern (Cryptogramma crispa), Stiff sedge (Carex bigelowii) and Roseroot (Rhodiola rosea). 

There are also target species that have not been recorded in many decades such as Stag’s-horn Clubmoss (Lycopodium clavatum) and Alpine Saw-wort (Saussurea alpina)! There will also be typical plants of upland grassland, wet heath and blanket bogs to find and record. This should be a botanically rewarding day!

The session will be entirely outdoors and requires very good fitness levels, as Slievemuck is a steep mountain.

Safety and booking terms: Please read this guidance for participants at BSBI events carefully, before booking.