Half of Britain, Ireland’s Native Plant Species Decline in Past Two Decades

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• A new report from the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland (BSBI) has revealed that approximately half of Britain and Ireland’s native plant species have experienced a decrease in population size over the past two decades.
• Agricultural practices and environmental conditions are the main factors influencing the decline of native plant species.
• Non-native species have been observed to originate from gardens and then spread to form self-sustaining populations.
• The BSBI is advocating for improved management of land and water, and for the adoption of more sustainable farming practices.
• The public is encouraged to contribute by planting native species in their gardens and backing conservation efforts.

细节

A New Report Reveals Native Plant Species in Decline

A new report from the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland (BSBI) has revealed that approximately half of Britain and Ireland’s native plant species have experienced a decrease in population size over the past two decades, with non-native species now more commonly found in the wild.

Thousands of botanists from the BSBI have spent the past two decades collecting data on changes in the British and Irish flora.

Agricultural Practices and Environmental Conditions Impacting Native Species

The report found that agricultural practices and environmental conditions are the main factors influencing the decline of native plant species.

Since the 1950s, alterations in farming practices, including nitrogen enrichment, habitat alteration and modifications to grazing pressure, have been linked to the decrease of certain species, including heather and harebell.

Damp meadows have been drained, resulting in a substantial decrease in plants like devil’s-bit scabious.

Ancient arable wildflowers, such as corn marigold, have seen a decrease of 62%.

Climate change has had an effect on many species, including mountain plants.

Non-Native Species Spreading in the Wild

During fieldwork, 3,445 different plant species were recorded, with 1,692 being native to Britain and 1,753 being non-native.

Many non-native species have been observed to originate from gardens and then spread to form self-sustaining populations.

Planting of non-native spruce has been observed to have a negative impact on peatland habitats, and sitka spruce has been recorded to have the most significant range increase of any species.

BSBI Calls for Action to Safeguard Native Species and Habitats

The report emphasizes the necessity of prompt action to safeguard native species and habitats.

The BSBI is advocating for improved management of land and water, and for the adoption of more sustainable farming practices.

They are also encouraging the public to contribute by planting native species in their gardens and backing conservation efforts.