BSBI AGM 2013: Anglesey. 

Pale Dog-violet, Viola lactea;
Cors Goch NNR, June 2013.

Just back from the BSBI AGM and, as predicted, outgoing President Ian Bonner steered us smoothly through all the official business on Wednesday, so we could get on as quickly as possible with the real reason we'd all travelled to Beaumaris: to see some lovely plants in beautiful places and in the company of Britain and Ireland's friendliest botanists.

Ian had everything laid on for us to see some of his favourite places for plants on Anglesey, his home patch. It was also great to have so many local guides and experts who had kindly given up their time to show us around and interpret the sites.

Very interesting to hear something of the history and past use of places that are now National Nature Reserves, like Newborough Warren or Cors Goch.

Enjoying one of the AGM's after-dinner talks.
Beaumaris 2013.

And thanks to Ian's fabulous support team - headed by Pippa Bonner, Joanna Robertson and Delyth Williams - we didn't have to worry about transport or making dinner when we got back each evening: more pictures to follow of what we did when not out in the field...

Many thanks to everyone who worked so hard towards such a successful AGM and especially to Ian Bonner. This past week has been a great opportunity to see the plants and places he loves and now we all know the secret of Ian's success - he comes with added Pippa! 

At Cors Goch NNR

The society is indebted to both of them for all they have done for us during Ian's Presidency. The presidential workload is pretty hefty and hopefully, now Ian Denholm has taken it over, the Bonners can enjoy a well-earned break. We wish them all the very best and hope they enjoy some sunny days out botanising on Anglesey this summer.