Today the Defra/JNCC UK Biodiversity Indicators are published, providing an annual view of how a variety of groups of wildlife, and other indicators of action for biodiversity conservation, have fared across the UK in recent years. The 2020 launch includes something extra special for National Plant Monitoring Scheme (NPMS) volunteers, because it marks the first ever contribution of NPMS data to a national biodiversity indicator!

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, NPMS surveys had been disrupted with partial suspension for the first half of the season.

However, now with travel restrictions lifted in Wales and Scotland and surveys in N. Ireland able to resume from July, we are pleased to say that all volunteers nationwide can now continue to survey, so long as they follow all government guidance in their geographic region and local area regarding outdoor activities and travel.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, NPMS surveys remain partially suspended. Volunteers can continue to survey only if they are following all government guidance in their geographic region regarding outdoor activities and travel. Avoid public transport wherever possible. Please also note and abide by the relevant country level restrictions in place on meeting up with others and the use and sharing of equipment.

We hope that you and your loved ones are well at this difficult time.

Following the updated Government guidance issued on 23^rd March in light of the current Covid-19 (novel coronavirus) pandemic. NPMS wishes to ensure that our guidance to volunteers and supporters is clear and reinforces guidance issued by the government. Your health, and the health of those close to you, is of upmost priority.  

The National Plant Monitoring Scheme is holding a Tweet Meet event online to celebrate and discuss the work of the scheme. The event on Friday 20^th of March will celebrate the support from our stakeholders and contributors, the efforts of our dedicated volunteers and providing feedback on their data. You are very welcome to follow and join in!

Event date: Friday 20^th March: 10am-7:30pm

This post is just to briefly flag up the fact that our guidance documents have all gone into their 2nd editions. Don't panic though, the methods are the same, we have just tried to improve and clarify the guidance wherever possible!