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2017 - 2021
Plants are really important. We eat them, build with them, wear clothes made from them and breathe the oxygen they create.
inspiring the next generation of botanists. These herbaria will help us to understand how plants interact with other organisms and to research the effects of a changing climate, and through the project we have trained the next generation to do this.
Understanding the science of plants is essential to our survival. Thanks to funding (£499,000) from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the LoveLincsPlants project has secured over 11,000 historical Lincolnshire herbarium specimens (dried plant archive), created a new scientifically robust contemporary herbarium for the people of Greater Lincolnshire, while
This summary report captures some of our outstanding achievements over the last four years. Thank you to our volunteers, partners and Lottery players for making it a success.
SCIENCE AND HERITAGE With no home of its own and at risk of decay the project has safeguarded over 11,000 Lincolnshire Historic herbarium specimens spanning 180 years. These are now safely curated with NHM in London and accessible to all via the museum Data Portal. Created a new herbarium for Lincolnshire of 1,200 contemporary specimens shared with the Natural History Museum and the Sir Joseph Banks Society in Horncastle.
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CELEBRATING LINCOLNSHIRE’S WONDERFUL PLANTS!
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VOLUNTEERS, TRAINING AND EDUCATION The LoveLincsPlants project has opened my eyes to a career in field ecology and environmental consulting and inspired me to gain a place on the BSc Natural Sciences degree course at Cambridge University. Nathan Clark, 18-35 botanist Delivered Lincolnshire’s first ever FISC (Field Identification Skills Certificate) assessments to aid career progression in partnership with Natural England and the BSBI (Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland).
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training sessions
young botanists
Twenty core botanists
Inspired and trained the next generation of Young Botanists (18-35) in plant identification and herbarium skills through residential weekends and day sessions ranging from coastal plants to winter tree ID.
Engaged with 268 unique volunteers on tasks ranging from plant collection and specimen mounting to botanical art, wildlife gardening and wildflower seed propagation. Developed a new Ecology and Conservation degree course at the University of Lincoln. Undergraduates introduced to collection and mounting, identification skills, guided walks and inspiring lectures from conservation professionals.
University students engaged
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children engaged
School children engaged through inspiring assemblies about the wonder of plants, from following in the footsteps of Sir Joseph Banks at plant explorer sessions, to carrying out botanical surveys on coastal habitats with A-Level students.
The fact that this course is free and local was a huge benefit. The skills I have learnt have helped me gain paid employment with an ecological consultancy and recently with the Woodland Trust! Sally Bavin, 18-35 botanist
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT AND LEGACY Appearances on BBC Countryfile, local radio and print media to spread the message to over 4 million people.
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followers
A brilliant opportunity to explore the intersection between Art & Nature and the possibilities that arise in working together. Great to see multi-generation families from the Syrian community experiencing and exploring Whisby Nature Park for the first time! Rachel Long, Creative Producer at Mansions of the Future
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public engagement events
A diverse programme of creative, taster and drop-in style workshops and activities as well as traditional talks were delivered, engaging over 27,000 people at 126 public events.
I’d never dream of walking through the park with my mates after the pub. Would never have thought that I would be happy to bring my young family here at night… great to reclaim the park! Anon, local resident, Boultham Park
86% rated events as good or excellent
Telling the story of the project with interpretation panels and volunteer artwork and photography at the new herbarium facilities.
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online lectures
delivered during the Covid-19 pandemic New seed handling and storage facilities to enable propagation of Lincolnshire provenance wildflowers. A suite of digital resources have been created, including an online Herbarium Hub to inspire others to create their own collection; Primary School Education pack and beginners Tree ID guide; plus an online database to allow access to the contemporary collection.
GET INVOLVED Add your name to the collection: Get out and about across Greater Lincolnshire with the Lincolnshire Naturalists’ Union (LNU) on their monthly field meetings. To find out more, head to: www.lnu.org/meetings/fieldmeetings or email info@lnu.org
Preserve a specimen for over 200 years: Contact the Sir Joseph Banks Society to take part in specimen mounting. Head to: www.josephbanks.org.uk or email volunteer@ joseph-banks.org.uk for more information. LoveLincsPlants?: Join us to collect wildflower seed and propagate local provenance, native flora through our specialist training and events programme. For more info, email info@lincstrust.co.uk Find out more at:
www.lincstrust.org.uk/love-lincs-plants LoveLincsPlants