Back from the Brink

Over the last century human activity has forced an incalculable number of species to the verge of extinction. Current estimates put the rate of loss as high as one plant per county every two years. Launched in 1991, the Back from the Brink programme is Plantlife’s practical, hands-on response to the crisis of wild-plant loss in Britain.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A total of 101 species fall under our care, including vascular plants, stoneworts, mosses, lichens, fungi and one alga. Many of the species are legally protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act, the majority are part of the UK Biodiversity Action Plan and virtually all are included in local Biodiversity Action Plans all across the UK.

The work we do can be divided into the following categories

Surveys

In order to effectively conserve a species it is vital to know where it grows and in what abundance it occurs. To obtain this information we work and share data with a wide range of conservation organisations.

We also carry out field surveys to further our knowledge of species populations, usually concentrating on habitats likely to support the plants as well as where the plants were recorded historically. These surveys are either carried out by Plantlife staff, or by consultants, many of whom are recognized experts in their particular fields.

Monitoring

Once we know where Back from the Brink species occur we monitor the sites to ensure the populations are being kept at healthy levels. Many habitats that support these rare species are constantly under threat from scrub invasion, changes in drainage and other factors.

The majority of monitoring is undertaken by our field volunteers known as Flora Guardians. This group of 400 volunteers allows Plantlife to have a presence at 240 rare-plant sites across the UK.

Flora Guardians are our eyes and ears across the country and an essential part of our work. If you are interested in getting involved click here.

Research

Many of the plants we work with are still not fully understood in terms of their ecology and genetics.

For that reason Plantlife encourages and supports research at several UK institutions to help increase the understanding of these plants. This knowledge can often drastically change the way we manage wild populations

Site management

Plantlife works with and advises landowners and site managers who have Back from the Brink species on their land. We actively carry out much of the conservation work ourselves, from carrying out landscape restoration, to organising a band of volunteers to perform more intricate work.

Undertaking site management has brought about some spectacular recovery of populations on the verge of extinction, and this on-site recovery continues to be a core element of Plantlife’s work.

We are always looking for helping hands to improve the condition of habitats for rare plants. If you think you would be interested in helping, please click on this link.

Policy

We work alongside other conservation organisations to lobby for government policy to fully account of the UK’s biodiversity resource and the need to both conserve and enhance this resource. Click here for more information.