United Kingdom

National Coordinators
Carmen Hermida Carrera
Lancaster University
Fascination of Plants Day

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.

Downloads
May 16
May 16
11:00
15:00
Plant Power Day 2026
Plant Power Day 2026
Dundee Botanic Gardens, University of Dundee, Riverside Dr, Dundee DD2 1QH
All
Outdoor
openday handsonactivities arts

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. 

The James Hutton Institute/University of Dundee
Dundee
https://www.hutton.ac.uk/
Tracy Valentine
Tracy.Valentine@hutton.ac.uk
May 23
May 23
09:00
16:00
Fascination of Plants Day Lancaster
Fascination of Plants Day Lancaster
Dalton Square
All
Outdoor
handsonactivities guidedtour presentation

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.

Lancaster University
Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4YW
https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/
Julia Monserrat Relano / Eduardo Zelada
j.monserratrelano@lancaster.ac.uk
May 27
May 27
11:00
15:00
Marvellous Meadows
Marvellous Meadows
Harcourt Arboretum Nuneham Courtenay Oxfordshire OX44 9PX
All
Outdoor
handsonactivities

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)