VOLUNTEERS are being sought to help scientists take stock of the country’s wild plants.

A National Plant Monitoring Scheme (NPMS) has been launched which will enable scientists to take annual stock of the UK’s wild plants and their habitats for the first time.

The scheme is looking for 2,000 people to carry out surveys of wildflowers and their habitats so scientists can gauge which plans are increasing or declining. The information will also indicate the changing state of the country’s habitats such as grassland, fenland and even road verges.

The new scheme will sit alongside existing schemes for the UK’s birds and butterflies and help paint a picture of how the countryside is changing.

Volunteers will be given a one kilometre square containing 25 locations and asked to visit three of the locations.

People can chose to help the scheme depending on their level of expertise - from recording a short list of particular species in each habitat, or recording all species found in their plot.

Hayley New, from wild plant charity Plantlife said: “The NPMS is hugely enjoyable and over 400 volunteers have helped us set up the new scheme.

“It’s easy to do and everyone will receive free training and guidance plus support from the partnership for volunteers who have queries, as well as web support and illustrated guidance notes – so volunteers will have the perfect survey tool kit to get them started.”

For more information on the NPMS and how to take part please visit; www.npms.org.uk