Join Tommy Root to discover and record the plant galls of Welsh Harp Open Space.

A plant gall is an abnormal growth of plant tissue caused by the invasion of another organism – for example, a wasp, fly, mite, fungus or even bacterium – within the plant tissue. Galls typically form on leaves, stems, roots, or flowers and come in an astonishing variety of shapes, sizes and colours. The structure itself forms due to the plant's response to irritation or chemical signals from the invading organism. Galls provide food and shelter for the invading organism inside and, while they may look unusual, are generally not harmful to the overall health of the plant.

On this Field Recorder Day, we invite you to join like-minded nature enthusiasts for a day of learning about, finding, identifying and recording plant galls in an informal setting. Naturalists of all levels (from total beginner to expert) are encouraged to attend, share their experiences with peers and help one another improve their knowledge and build confidence in biological recording. Plant gall specialist Tommy Root will be leading the day and providing guidance throughout.

What will the day involve?

An introduction to recording plant galls and the ID resources available.

Practical experience of finding, identifying and recording plant galls in the field.

Access to a knowledgeable plant gall specialist with the opportunity to discuss identification questions.

A chance to meet like-minded nature enthusiasts.

What do I need to know in advance?

This event is aimed at adults only.

Attendance is free, but booking is essential as spaces are limited.

Invertebrate recorders of all abilities are welcome, but booking is essential.

Identification will take place in the field whenever possible, but some plant gall specimens may need to be collected for further examination and ID at a later date.

W e'll be outside for the whole day so please bring suitable clothing for all types of weather, as well as your lunch and any snacks you will require with you on the day.

All records collected will be added to iRecord in order to share our findings with the site managers, Greenspace Information for Greater London (GiGL), London Natural History Society (LNHS) and relevant national recording schemes and societies.

Check out our Info for Field Recorder Day Attendees page for more info (including instructions for setting up iRecord): https://biologicalrecording.co.uk/info-for-field-recorder-day-attendees/

Plant Gall Specialist: Tommy Root

Tommy Root is an experienced recorder for the British Plant Gall Society and also serves as the London Natural History Society Plant Gall Recorder.

Welsh Harp

Welsh Harp (also known as The Welsh Harp, Welsh Harp Open Space or alternatively, Brent Reservoir) is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Local Nature Reserve (LNR) in North London, on the boundary of the boroughs of Brent and Barnet. Originally built in the 1830s to provide water for London’s canals, the site comprises 170 acres of open water, marshes, woodland and grassland. It is recognised as one of the most important bird breeding areas in Southern England. The varied habitats also support a range of other wildlife. Find out more here: https://www.welshharpfriends.co.uk/about

This Field Recorder Day is being delivered by the Biological Recording Company in collaboration with Citizen Zoo, Barnet Council and the London Natural History Society.

Description supplied by the event organiser.