James Common
@commonbynature.bsky.social
Botanist & biological recorder. Joint BSBI recorder for North Northumberland. Urban plant fanatic, galanthophile & fledgling fernaholic. Lapsing blogger.
🐞 Senior Naturalist @nenature.bsky.social
🍃 commonbynature.com
🐞 Senior Naturalist @nenature.bsky.social
🍃 commonbynature.com
Whey hey! What should (hopefully) be the final proof of the 'Urban Flora of Newcastle and North Tyneside' is in, and it’s looking lush....
Just a few final checks to go, but we’re on track for a February launch. More details coming soon…
Until then, happy weekend, everyone! 🤩🌿 #botany
Just a few final checks to go, but we’re on track for a February launch. More details coming soon…
Until then, happy weekend, everyone! 🤩🌿 #botany
February 6, 2026 at 4:57 PM
Whey hey! What should (hopefully) be the final proof of the 'Urban Flora of Newcastle and North Tyneside' is in, and it’s looking lush....
Just a few final checks to go, but we’re on track for a February launch. More details coming soon…
Until then, happy weekend, everyone! 🤩🌿 #botany
Just a few final checks to go, but we’re on track for a February launch. More details coming soon…
Until then, happy weekend, everyone! 🤩🌿 #botany
Had great fun acquiring some new #snowdrops while trying to string some thoughts together for @bsbibotany.bsky.social. A few new additions in G. plicatus x elwesii, elwesii x ikariae and nivalis x elwesii. Oh, the mind boggles! #galanthus
February 6, 2026 at 10:36 AM
Had great fun acquiring some new #snowdrops while trying to string some thoughts together for @bsbibotany.bsky.social. A few new additions in G. plicatus x elwesii, elwesii x ikariae and nivalis x elwesii. Oh, the mind boggles! #galanthus
Reposted by James Common
Can you find, identify & record 100 wild plants in 2026?
BSBI is confident that (with our support) yes, you can!
Beginner botanists, will you accept the challenge?
Sign up today for #100Plants2026 challenge:
bsbi.org/take-part/ac...
Check out the webinars & #WildFlowerID help we've prep'd for you!
BSBI is confident that (with our support) yes, you can!
Beginner botanists, will you accept the challenge?
Sign up today for #100Plants2026 challenge:
bsbi.org/take-part/ac...
Check out the webinars & #WildFlowerID help we've prep'd for you!
February 3, 2026 at 2:03 PM
Can you find, identify & record 100 wild plants in 2026?
BSBI is confident that (with our support) yes, you can!
Beginner botanists, will you accept the challenge?
Sign up today for #100Plants2026 challenge:
bsbi.org/take-part/ac...
Check out the webinars & #WildFlowerID help we've prep'd for you!
BSBI is confident that (with our support) yes, you can!
Beginner botanists, will you accept the challenge?
Sign up today for #100Plants2026 challenge:
bsbi.org/take-part/ac...
Check out the webinars & #WildFlowerID help we've prep'd for you!
Oh, and snowdrop number #10 is this massive form of #Galanthus woronowii. Supposedly a distinctive clone known as 'Of' but really just a big Green Snowdrop...
January 31, 2026 at 9:29 AM
Oh, and snowdrop number #10 is this massive form of #Galanthus woronowii. Supposedly a distinctive clone known as 'Of' but really just a big Green Snowdrop...
Snowdrops #8 and #9 now out in the yarden and they're both yellows. #Galanthus nivalis 'Sandersii' and G. plicatus 'Wandlebury Ring' 👀
January 31, 2026 at 9:27 AM
Snowdrops #8 and #9 now out in the yarden and they're both yellows. #Galanthus nivalis 'Sandersii' and G. plicatus 'Wandlebury Ring' 👀
Reposted by James Common
Are you an academic or amateur researcher, or PhD student, carrying out research into the British & Irish flora?
Is it work capable of resulting in a scientific publication?
Would you like <£1,000 towards your costs?
Apply for a #BSBIScienceandResearchGrant!
Here's how:
bsbi.org/learn/grants...
Is it work capable of resulting in a scientific publication?
Would you like <£1,000 towards your costs?
Apply for a #BSBIScienceandResearchGrant!
Here's how:
bsbi.org/learn/grants...
January 26, 2026 at 8:35 PM
Are you an academic or amateur researcher, or PhD student, carrying out research into the British & Irish flora?
Is it work capable of resulting in a scientific publication?
Would you like <£1,000 towards your costs?
Apply for a #BSBIScienceandResearchGrant!
Here's how:
bsbi.org/learn/grants...
Is it work capable of resulting in a scientific publication?
Would you like <£1,000 towards your costs?
Apply for a #BSBIScienceandResearchGrant!
Here's how:
bsbi.org/learn/grants...
Continuing our little journey through the garden snowdrop sequence, #7 is out now - Galanthus elwesii ‘Watered Silk’, I think! A new one for us 🤓 #snowdrops #galanthus
January 27, 2026 at 7:28 AM
Continuing our little journey through the garden snowdrop sequence, #7 is out now - Galanthus elwesii ‘Watered Silk’, I think! A new one for us 🤓 #snowdrops #galanthus
Reposted by James Common
The fabulous Asplenium x murbeckii. This is the hybrid between A. septentrionale and A. ruta-muraria at it's only known British/Irish site.
#wildflowerhour
#wildflowerhour
January 25, 2026 at 7:56 PM
The fabulous Asplenium x murbeckii. This is the hybrid between A. septentrionale and A. ruta-muraria at it's only known British/Irish site.
#wildflowerhour
#wildflowerhour
As we were passing, it would have been rude not to call in for a look at Asplenium x clermontiae. Pleased to see it looking far healthier than last summer! #ferns
January 25, 2026 at 2:10 PM
As we were passing, it would have been rude not to call in for a look at Asplenium x clermontiae. Pleased to see it looking far healthier than last summer! #ferns
A few more Sandersii snowdrops from today's rather soggy walk. #galanthus
January 25, 2026 at 2:06 PM
A few more Sandersii snowdrops from today's rather soggy walk. #galanthus
A nice Cyrtomium species growing in a old wall in Jesmond Dene this afternoon. Not quite as toothy towards the tips as the. C. fortunei I've seen so falcatum? Only a single frond to scrutinise 👀 #ferns
January 23, 2026 at 7:53 PM
A nice Cyrtomium species growing in a old wall in Jesmond Dene this afternoon. Not quite as toothy towards the tips as the. C. fortunei I've seen so falcatum? Only a single frond to scrutinise 👀 #ferns
Popped in today to check on Newcastle’s only wild yellow #snowdrops - delighted to see they’re still going strong.
📸 Galanthus nivalis ‘Sandersii Group’ @bsbibotany.bsky.social
📸 Galanthus nivalis ‘Sandersii Group’ @bsbibotany.bsky.social
January 21, 2026 at 3:25 PM
Popped in today to check on Newcastle’s only wild yellow #snowdrops - delighted to see they’re still going strong.
📸 Galanthus nivalis ‘Sandersii Group’ @bsbibotany.bsky.social
📸 Galanthus nivalis ‘Sandersii Group’ @bsbibotany.bsky.social
More #Galanthus geekery today with snowdrop number #6 out in the yarden. It's a good one too! Galanthus plicantus 'Golden Fleece' 🤓
January 20, 2026 at 9:24 AM
More #Galanthus geekery today with snowdrop number #6 out in the yarden. It's a good one too! Galanthus plicantus 'Golden Fleece' 🤓
A few urban ferns from today's quiet Saturday walk: D. affinis, D. borreri, a new Polypody to be looked at later, and a rather frilly, fence-hopping Soft Shield-fern #ferns
January 17, 2026 at 6:51 PM
A few urban ferns from today's quiet Saturday walk: D. affinis, D. borreri, a new Polypody to be looked at later, and a rather frilly, fence-hopping Soft Shield-fern #ferns
This young Japanese Lace Fern (Polystichum polyblepharum) seems to be doing well on its chosen bank in Jesmond Dene. #ferns #urbanflora
January 17, 2026 at 6:46 PM
This young Japanese Lace Fern (Polystichum polyblepharum) seems to be doing well on its chosen bank in Jesmond Dene. #ferns #urbanflora
Reposted by James Common
Really pleased iNaturalist is proposing use of 'real' names. If all I have is a blurry photo of something which might/might not be what it purports to be & recorded by "A Penguin"...what on earth am I supposed to do with it? How good are penguins at UK plant ID? forum.inaturalist.org/t/guidelines...
Guidelines: - Best Practice for Using iNaturalist in the UK:
Best Practice for Using iNaturalist in the UK A practical, optional guide to help your observations integrate smoothly with the UK biological recording system This guidance is entirely optional. You...
forum.inaturalist.org
January 15, 2026 at 11:36 AM
Really pleased iNaturalist is proposing use of 'real' names. If all I have is a blurry photo of something which might/might not be what it purports to be & recorded by "A Penguin"...what on earth am I supposed to do with it? How good are penguins at UK plant ID? forum.inaturalist.org/t/guidelines...
Snowdrop number #5 out in the yard and this time, it's a lovely green-marked Galanthus woronowii. Much earlier than the other sorts we grow... 🤓 #galanthus
January 15, 2026 at 12:46 PM
Snowdrop number #5 out in the yard and this time, it's a lovely green-marked Galanthus woronowii. Much earlier than the other sorts we grow... 🤓 #galanthus
Reposted by James Common
Huge thanks to 3,652 of you amazing #CitizenScientists who went out hunting for #NewYearPlantHunt!
You sent us >25K records of an astonishing 663 different wildflower spp. blooming across Britain & Ireland
Headlines in our infographic 👇
More details on our 2026 Results page: bsbi.org/take-part/ac...
You sent us >25K records of an astonishing 663 different wildflower spp. blooming across Britain & Ireland
Headlines in our infographic 👇
More details on our 2026 Results page: bsbi.org/take-part/ac...
January 13, 2026 at 12:52 PM
Huge thanks to 3,652 of you amazing #CitizenScientists who went out hunting for #NewYearPlantHunt!
You sent us >25K records of an astonishing 663 different wildflower spp. blooming across Britain & Ireland
Headlines in our infographic 👇
More details on our 2026 Results page: bsbi.org/take-part/ac...
You sent us >25K records of an astonishing 663 different wildflower spp. blooming across Britain & Ireland
Headlines in our infographic 👇
More details on our 2026 Results page: bsbi.org/take-part/ac...
Next up on the Snowdrop calendar! #3 Galanthus reginae-olgae subsp. vernalis and #4 an unidentified double form of #Galanthus × valentinei (nivalis x plicatus). Rather enjoying this geeky rabbit hole! 😁
January 13, 2026 at 9:23 AM
Next up on the Snowdrop calendar! #3 Galanthus reginae-olgae subsp. vernalis and #4 an unidentified double form of #Galanthus × valentinei (nivalis x plicatus). Rather enjoying this geeky rabbit hole! 😁
Continuing in my efforts to document the flowering sequence of the snowdrops that seem to have overtaken our yard. Next up after rizehensis, it's Galanthus elwesii var. elwesii #galanthus 👀
January 12, 2026 at 9:47 AM
Continuing in my efforts to document the flowering sequence of the snowdrops that seem to have overtaken our yard. Next up after rizehensis, it's Galanthus elwesii var. elwesii #galanthus 👀
Reposted by James Common
If you missed my talk on alien plants and have an hour to kill before #TheTraitors (haha!), it’s now available here www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCdC.... Enjoy! @bsbibotany.bsky.social
Winter Talk: Urban plants, with Trevor Dines
YouTube video by Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland
www.youtube.com
January 9, 2026 at 5:39 PM
If you missed my talk on alien plants and have an hour to kill before #TheTraitors (haha!), it’s now available here www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCdC.... Enjoy! @bsbibotany.bsky.social
Reposted by James Common
Discover one of the North East’s most extraordinary living natural history stories.
Join Prof. Stephen Hall to explore Chillingham’s wild cattle, the world’s only near-untouched herd. 🐂
📅 Tue 3 Feb | 6–7:30pm
📍 Great North Museum: Hancock
Book your tickets here: ow.ly/qKeI50XSQ3Z
Join Prof. Stephen Hall to explore Chillingham’s wild cattle, the world’s only near-untouched herd. 🐂
📅 Tue 3 Feb | 6–7:30pm
📍 Great North Museum: Hancock
Book your tickets here: ow.ly/qKeI50XSQ3Z
January 7, 2026 at 10:41 AM
Discover one of the North East’s most extraordinary living natural history stories.
Join Prof. Stephen Hall to explore Chillingham’s wild cattle, the world’s only near-untouched herd. 🐂
📅 Tue 3 Feb | 6–7:30pm
📍 Great North Museum: Hancock
Book your tickets here: ow.ly/qKeI50XSQ3Z
Join Prof. Stephen Hall to explore Chillingham’s wild cattle, the world’s only near-untouched herd. 🐂
📅 Tue 3 Feb | 6–7:30pm
📍 Great North Museum: Hancock
Book your tickets here: ow.ly/qKeI50XSQ3Z
Our final #NewYearPlantHunt of the year today on our usual route around North Shields. Only 24 species, down from 60+ last year but a few surprises to be had in the snow. Viper's-bugloss was unusual! @bsbibotany.bsky.social
January 4, 2026 at 12:50 PM
Our final #NewYearPlantHunt of the year today on our usual route around North Shields. Only 24 species, down from 60+ last year but a few surprises to be had in the snow. Viper's-bugloss was unusual! @bsbibotany.bsky.social
Reposted by James Common
Day 3 of #NewYearPlantHunt: >1300 surveys, >17,000 records, 597 species recorded!
In tonight's round-up:
@commonbynature.bsky.social reports from NE England, @bramblebotanist.bsky.social braves the snow & a shout-out for #NYPH co-founders Tim Rich & @sarahwhild.bsky.social!
bsbi.org/blog/2026/01...
In tonight's round-up:
@commonbynature.bsky.social reports from NE England, @bramblebotanist.bsky.social braves the snow & a shout-out for #NYPH co-founders Tim Rich & @sarahwhild.bsky.social!
bsbi.org/blog/2026/01...
January 3, 2026 at 11:22 PM
Day 3 of #NewYearPlantHunt: >1300 surveys, >17,000 records, 597 species recorded!
In tonight's round-up:
@commonbynature.bsky.social reports from NE England, @bramblebotanist.bsky.social braves the snow & a shout-out for #NYPH co-founders Tim Rich & @sarahwhild.bsky.social!
bsbi.org/blog/2026/01...
In tonight's round-up:
@commonbynature.bsky.social reports from NE England, @bramblebotanist.bsky.social braves the snow & a shout-out for #NYPH co-founders Tim Rich & @sarahwhild.bsky.social!
bsbi.org/blog/2026/01...