Botanical Skills NI: Outdoor Recording Session on Eyebright (Euphrasia) Field Identification

Join the Botanical Skills NI Project for a hands-on, specialist field session focusing on one of the UK and Ireland’s most fascinating and challenging plant groups, Eyebrights (Euphrasia spp.).

Historically, many records in these coastal sites have simply been logged under Euphrasia officinalis agg. Now it’s time to take a closer look! Together, we’ll explore the rich coastal dune systems and grasslands of Portstewart Strand and surrounding areas to map and record the species present.

We are thrilled to be joined by Chris Metherell, national expert in Euphrasia taxonomy, to lead this field event!

This is an exclusive opportunity to:

• Test the new key. Get hands-on guidance using Chris’s newly revised Euphrasia identification key.
• Master field traits. Learn how to spot subtle diagnostic features in real-world coastal habitats.
• Ditch the "Agg"! Gain the confidence and specialist skills needed to accurately record Euphrasia down to species level.

Whether you're looking to elevate your field skills or contribute valuable data to coastal habitat records, learning directly from a national species expert is an opportunity not to be missed.

Important Event Information

• This session is 100% outdoors.
• Walking will be over uneven ground, sand dunes, and beach terrain. A reasonable level of fitness is required.
• Final meeting location and parking instructions will be sent to all ticket holders prior to the event.