Changes in the vascular plant floras of England and Scotland between 1930–1960 and 1987–1988: The BSBI Monitoring Scheme

Abstract

The BSBI Monitoring Scheme was a sample hectad (10 km × 10 km square) survey of Britain and Ireland during 1987 and 1988 set up to assess changes in the vascular plant flora since 1960. To assess change, records were compared against data collected for the Atlas of the British flora (1930–1960) for England and Scotland. At least 24% of the flora was found to have changed significantly in England, and at least 12% in Scotland. Tables showing species which have changed in frequency and selected maps are presented. The major trends suggest that plants of grasslands, heathlands, aquatic and swamp habitats and arable weeds have declined, whilst introduced species have increased.