Botanical Skills NI: Exploring Greyabbey Saltmarsh

Join the Botanical Skills Northern Ireland Project and County Down Vice County Recorder Graham Day for an exciting day at Greyabbey, Ards Peninsula, Co. Down exploring saltmarsh plants on the 16th September from 10am to 3.30pm.

The Ards Peninsula is one of the best places to explore saltmarshes and this intermediate level recording day will be focused on the fascinating plants which grow in this hostile environment between land and sea. You can expect to see saltmarsh staples such as Sea Aster, Sea Lavender and Glassworts which will still be around in September. Notable records include Sea-spurrey, several Orache species and two Eelgrass species!

Learning Objectives for this event:

• Improve field ID of saltmarsh plant species

• Better understand how plant recording works and how to do so

What to bring: Please always come prepared with suitable outdoor clothing and comfortable walking footwear, as we will be spending time outside in varying weather conditions. If there is any compulsory kit required to attend it will be detailed here, otherwise more details of recommended equipment may be included in your booking confirmation or details provided nearer the event.

• Wellington boots are required for this event, as we will be spending the day outside on very wet, marshy ground along the coast.

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

Booking: If you are having trouble booking online, please phone the main BSBI phone number between 9:00 am and 5:30 pm for assistance: +44 (0) 7404 231178.

Accessibility: If you have any questions about accessibility or specific needs that would help you take part comfortably, please feel free to contact us on bookings@bsbi.org or +44 (0) 7404 231178.

• This site is on challenging terrain (e.g. bogs, unstable ground). We will spend most of the day off-path on uneven, silty and slippery ground near the coast. Good fitness levels are required.

The BSBI has a culture of mutual respect, and takes seriously the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved in our events. We want everyone at our events to enjoy themselves, and we expect everyone to act in a respectful manner towards others at all times. We will not tolerate harassment, discrimination or inappropriate behaviour of any kind, and will treat any reported incidents seriously.