United Kingdom
The eighth international “Fascination of Plants Day” around 18 May 2026 will be launched by plant scientists across the world under the umbrella of the European Plant Science Organisation (EPSO).
The goal of this activity is to get as many people as possible around the world fascinated by plants and enthused about the importance of plant science for agriculture and sustainable production of nutritious food, as well as for horticulture, forestry and the production of plant-based non-food products such as paper, timber, chemicals, energy and pharmaceuticals. The role of plants in environmental conservation is also a key message.
Join us for a lunchtime event exploring how climate change is reshaping the future of barley, one of Scotland’s most essential crops.
Join us at Canvas for a lunchtime event exploring how climate change is reshaping the future of barley—one of Scotland’s most essential crops—and how researchers at the James Hutton Institute are working to protect it for the whiskies and beers we rely on.
This session blends science, sustainability, and brewing culture in a relaxed lunchtime setting. The programme features presentations from three women PhD researchers from the Hutton Institute whose work focuses on barley resilience and climate impacts:
- Shanzay Qamar
- Ella Southin
- Alanna McCutcheon
The discussion will be chaired by Bella Perez, the brewmaster at 71 Brewery. Bella will connect the scientific research to its real‑world implications for the brewing sector.
Together, the speakers will offer three short presentations, followed by a Q&A and an informal chance to socialise.
Presentation topics:
*enhancing the genetic resilience and malting quality of barley using new gene editing and plant regeneration techniques.
*developing a female barley flower to boost crop yield for the Scottish whisky industry.
*looking at a specific type of barley which use this plastic adaptability under heat and drought stresses.
This event is presented and hosted by Graduate Women Scotland East as part of their ongoing commitment to supporting the research and education of women and girls in the local community. It also forms part of the wider mission of Graduate Women Scotland and Graduate Women International, both of which work to advance understanding of how women‑led research can drive effective climate action.
graduatewomenscotland.org
A series of social media posts highlighting individual plants that fascinate various members of staff at IBERS.
We would like to invite you to delve into the fascinating world of plants at ‘Plant Power Day 2026’ to be held at the University of Dundee Botanic Garden. Scientists from the University of Dundee and the James Hutton Institute have created exciting science-related activities focused on plants for all to enjoy, including tomato diversity, DNA extraction from soft fruit, protecting plants from pests and more. We’re also delighted to welcome Dundee Naturalists who will have moth and bird detector demos, Maxwell Community Garden, and the GROW Dundee Network sharing information on the community garden network in Dundee and tips on how to grow your own food.
Visitors are also encouraged to stay and explore the wider gardens.
Enjoy a selection of refreshments and snacks available to purchase, or feel free to bring your own picnic and make a day of it.
This special event is delivered in partnership with the University of Dundee, the James Hutton Institute, the Art and Nature Collective, and the Friends of the Botanic Garden.
Image provided by the University of Dundee.
Visit us at Lancaster Market in Dalton Square on May 23rd to discover fascinating aspects of plants! Meet scientists from the Lancaster Environment Centre and take part in engaging activities that reveal just how amazing and relevant plants are.
This exhibition at the Assembly Arts will bring together invited local artists from Lancaster and LEC scientists, creating a shared space to explore and showcase diverse perspectives on plants from both researchers and the wider public.
Aren’t plants amazing?! So often overlooked, plants provide so much to our world. From one little seed, planted in soil, so much diversity can arise. From tiny herbs, to giant trees; from beautiful flowers to decorate our gardens, to substantial crops that feed the world; from producing oxygen to holding our soils together; plants provide so much which humans and all other animals rely on to survive.
Aberdeen Fascination of Plants Day 2026 is a free drop in event for all the family! Come along and learn all about plants and their importance to our world, and enjoy a range of hands on activities with organisations working with plants across the city.
Duthie Park Ranger Service – The Power of Seeds
Join the Duthie Park Rangers and learn all about the power of seeds! Test your seed knowledge and plant something in your own handcrafted paper pot made out of old newspapers! Children can learn what plants need to grow and why they are important, and can make a craft too!
The Power of Plants: A Hands-On Science Workshop
Join a Friends of Duthie Park committee member and honorary lecturer at Robert Gordon University for a fun, hands-on science workshop exploring the power of plants. Learn how plants function at a genetic level and take part in practical activities, including extracting DNA from plant material. This engaging session offers an accessible introduction to plant science through interactive, science-based learning.
The James Hutton Institute – Marvellous Mosses and Lovely Lichens
Scotland’s rainy climate and clean air makes it the perfect home for a wide variety of mosses and lichens. These small but fascinating organisms make their homes in habitats ranging from lush Scottish rainforests to exposed mountain tops. Come and get hands on with the help of scientists from the James Hutton Institute, to investigate the adaptations which allow these mini-marvels to thrive in almost every habitat and explore the important roles which they play in our ecosystems.
Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) – Plant Diversity in Agricultural Systems
Agricultural crops help to feed the world’s population. Growing them efficiently to provide good yields and quality whilst encouraging beneficial environmental stewardship is a balance all farmers are tasked with. A diverse range of plants in both time (rotation) and location (different scales) can help achieve this balance. Colleagues from Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) will demonstrate a number of these factors and explain how they are interlinked, including the use of N fixing legumes and multi-species grassland which can improve soil structure and quality or improve the diets and health of the animals eating them.
University of Aberdeen – What’s the point of plants?
Exciting workshop from scientists at the University of Aberdeen show-casing displays and activities on plant diversity, the importance of seed dispersal, how plants are important as food and the roles of herbariums.
Arboretum Family Day: Marvellous Meadows – Wednesday 27th May, 2026
As part of UK Meadows Day, we will offer bug hunting and meadow plant guided tours, educational activities, and a chance to explore these vital habitats. This event will celebrate the beauty and importance of wildflower meadows. For Fascination of Plants Day, we will also highlight the importance of plant science for agriculture. As part of this, children will have the chance to try out some heritage wheat craft and create their own Harvest Knot. Traditionally ‘harvest trophies’ or ‘corn dollies’ are made to mark the harvest and then displayed at the harvest home supper. This activity will be for children aged 8 and over. There will be two sessions with limited places available, allocated on a first-come-first-served basis on the day.
Duration: 11:00am−15:00pm
Price: £3 per child (under 2s and accompanying adults free)