2nd International Fascination of Plants Day: 18 May 2013

November 16, 2012 -- The second international Fascination of Plants Day will be held on 18th May 2013, featuring events around the world to celebrate the importance of plants in our lives and landscapes. The announcement was made in Brussels today by the European Plant Science Organisation (EPSO), international organisers of Fascination of Plants Day. All UK events will be coordinated by the UK Plant Sciences Federation (UKPSF), which has launched a call for event organisers wishing to share their enthusiasm for plants and plant science.

Dr Mimi Tanimoto from the UK Plant Sciences Federation, a Special Interest Group of the Society of Biology, says: “Plants are fundamental to our existence, providing us with food, fuels, medicines, building materials, fibres and paper. They deliver services such as flood control, and enhance our recreational space, physical and mental health and cultural practices.

“We want to share the amazing world of plants with a wider audience, and engage in discussions about how plant sciences are helping to address global challenges - from food security to protecting biodiversity. We hope that Fascination of Plants Day will inspire people to appreciate the importance of plants and to understand the relationship between the world of diverse plant life and a healthy population.”

The event will build upon the success of the first Fascination of Plants Day (FoPD) which took place in 2012, for which over 580 institutions from more than 39 countries organised events. The UK had over 80 participating organisations, putting on the greatest number of events of all countries, an accolade which the UKPSF hopes to maintain.

Scientific institutions, universities, botanic gardens, museums, farmers and companies will open their doors for FoPD 2013, with plant-based events for everyone from toddlers to grandparents. The UKPSF is calling for anyone who would like to contribute to FoPD, by running an event or offering sponsorship, to get in touch. Events can include hands-on activities, talks, debates, nature walks and visits to farms or research facilities. Examples from last year can be found on the FoPD website http://www.plantday12.eu/uk-succes-story-2012.htm. Those unable to organise anything for 18 May can run events between 12 – 24 May.

Fascination of Plants Day covers all plant related topics including basic plant science, agriculture, horticulture, gardening, forestry, plant breeding, plant protection, food & nutrition, environmental conservation, climate change mitigation, smart bioproducts, biodiversity, sustainability, renewable resources, plant science education & art.

Contact:

Society of Biology

Mimi Tanimoto/ Rebecca Nesbit

0207 685 2567/ 0207 685 2553

mimitanimoto@societyofbiology.org

www.societyofbiology.org

The Society of Biology www.societyofbiology.org is a professional body for bioscientists – providing a single unified voice for biology: advising Government and influencing policy; advancing education and professional development; supporting their members, and engaging and encouraging public interest in the life sciences.

The UK Plant Sciences Federation (UKPSF) www.plantsci.org.uk is a special interest group of the Society of Biology which brings together the plant science community in the UK to create a coordinated approach to research, industry, funding, education and outreach in this vital sector of the biosciences.

The European Plant Science Organisation (EPSO) www.epsoweb.org is an independent academic organisation that represents more than 226 research institutes, departments and universities from 30 countries in Europe and beyond. EPSO's mission is to improve the impact and visibility of plant science in Europe.