This event will highlight how BSBI’s extensive botanical datasets can support high-quality ecological assessment, reporting, and decision-making, and how professional ecologists can both use and contribute to these vital data resources.
BSBI holds one of the most comprehensive and long-standing datasets on plant distributions in Britain and Ireland, built through the efforts of skilled volunteer recorders and professionals over many decades. These data underpin a wide range of outputs, from national atlases and Red List assessments to local site-based decision-making. For ecological consultants and practitioners, understanding how to access, interpret, and appropriately apply BSBI data is increasingly important, particularly in the context of nature recovery, and evidence-led planning.
The event will introduce the structure and scope of BSBI data, including what information is available, how it is collected and validated, and how it can be accessed. An overview will be provided of recording standards, data flows, and the role of local recorders and vice-county recorders, helping attendees to better understand the strengths and limitations of the data they may encounter through direct data requests, record centres and NBN.
A key focus will be on practical applications. Examples will demonstrate how BSBI data can be used to inform desk studies, preliminary ecological appraisals, habitat assessments, and impact evaluations, as well as how it can help to contextualise site-level survey results within a wider botanical and geographic framework. The session will also consider common pitfalls and good practice when interpreting plant records, including issues of spatial resolution, recording effort, and data sensitivity.
This event will be relevant to ecological consultants, local authority ecologists, NGOs, researchers, students, and anyone with an interest in botanical data and its professional application. It will offer opportunities for discussion, questions, and knowledge exchange, helping to build stronger collaboration between CIEEM members and BSBI Scotland.
Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how BSBI data can support their work, increased confidence in using botanical records appropriately, and practical insight into how they can contribute to Scotland’s shared evidence base for plant conservation
Matt is the BSBI’s Scotland Officer, supporting botanists of all experience levels across Scotland with identification, learning and recording activities. He is also the BSBI Vice-County Recorder and iRecord verifier for Stirlingshire. Matt has a particular interest in montane flora and habitats, and enjoys making new botanical discoveries in the Scottish mountains!
