Botany Section

Information

The Botany Section was founded in 1908 to promote the study and enjoyment of Devon’s wild plants, including bryophytes (mosses), lichens and fungi.

An annual program of field meetings, some of which are aimed at beginners, is held in a wide range of Devon locations. Through these meetings and other activities, the Section helps its members and the general public to improve their identification skills and to record the distribution of Devon’s plants. It also offers expert assistance at events run by like-minded bodies showcasing the county’s wildlife.

2026 field visit to Dartmoor. Credit: Sarah Conibear

In 2016, the Section produced a prolifically illustrated book, entitled A New Flora of Devon, which features new species accounts and new distribution maps. This is the first book to be published on the subject since the Atlas of Devon Flora in 1984, and is an important account of the state of Devon’s vascular plants.

A New Flora of Devon is available for all to consult on this website.

The Section is the major source of botanical expertise in the county.

Committee

(as of May 2026)

Chair: Mary Breeds
Vice-Chair: (vacant)
Hon Secretary: Sarah Jennings (Tel. 07967 456361, email: botany@devonassoc.org.uk). If possible email or message first, and Sarah will get back to you – call for urgent issues / emergencies.
Hon Treasurer: David Cann

Recorders:

  • Vascular Plants
    – Hannah Gibbons (contact via the Hon. Secretary)
  • Bryophytes
    – Mark Pool (contact via the Hon. Secretary)
  • Lichens 
    – Maxine Putnam. 26, Beach Road, Hele Bay, Ilfracombe EX34 9QZ (Tel. 01271 865569 email: maxieput@talktalk.net).
  • Fungi
    – John Day (contact via the Hon. Secretary)

Committee members: Dr Bob Hodgson, Bob Kirby

Events

See a list of upcoming events organised by this section.

It’s also possible to review the Section’s past events.

Section newsletters and reports

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