BSBI at launch of State of Nature report

Sir David Attenborough at the State of Nature launch
Photo: L. Marsh

Sir David Attenborough delivered a rousing speech last night, at the launch of the State of Nature report at the Natural History Museum. He and Richard Benyon (DEFRA) praised the efforts of volunteer recorders, but the report itself makes grim reading. 

See for yourself by downloading a copy of the State of Nature report.  

Ian Denholm talking about 'Alien Invaders and Native Thugs'
at the State of Nature launch.
Photo: L. Marsh

BSBI is part of a coalition of 25 conservation and research organisations who contributed to the report and each organisation gave a short presentation at the launch last night. 

Ian Denholm, BSBI's incoming President, talked to conservationists and journalists about 'Alien Invaders and Native Thugs' and you can see his Powerpoint by following the link on the Publicity page.  More about Alien Invaders here.

Tim Pankhurst at the State of Nature launch.
Photo: L. Marsh

Interesting to note how many of those giving presentations at the launch are also active BSBI members! 
I spotted Fred Rumsey, one of BSBI's panel of expert Plant Referees and also a New Journal of Botany author. Fred was talking about bryophyte distribution on behalf of BBS. 

Fred Rumsey at the State of Nature launch.
 Photo: L. Marsh

And Plantlife's Tim Pankhurst had come down from Breckland to talk about the Fen Orchid - Tim also sits on BSBI Council. Just shows how great a contribution BSBI members make to the conservation and research community.