About the event

The New Year Plant Hunt is an annual event when people – whether absolute beginners or experienced naturalists – across Britain and Ireland head out to see how many wild or naturalised plants (not garden plants) they can find in bloom in their local area in midwinter. 

The New Year Plant Hunt started in 2012 and is organised by the Botanical Society of Britain & Ireland (BSBI). It has been a regular in Durham Wildlife Trust’s annual events diary for a number of years now. We are pleased to be able to continue this popular event this festive period with Trust members, volunteers, and the general public teaming up with local experts to find plant life in and around South Shields.  

No previous experience is necessary. This event is a great way to learn new skills, meet new people, enjoy some festive fresh air and contribute to a national plant recording initiative. The data gathered at this event helping scientists learn more about how our plants are responding to a changing climate.