New Year plant hunt 2026, Paisley Town Centre

Saturday 3rd January 2026

Come along on this leisurely stroll to see the blooming amazing winter wildflowers in our town centre, followed by a warming drink /lunch in a local watering hole. Last year we found 17 species in flower and it would be great to beat our record. This year we’ll be having a go at using the BSBI Recording App to log our findings. Fingers crossed for a dry day.

The New Year Plant Hunt is a citizen science venture that takes place every year during four days around New Year, this year on 1st to 4th January. Warmer winters may be changing the flowering times of plants and BSBI need our help to track this. Perhaps surprisingly, many plants are still flowering in midwinter, with 174 different species recorded across Scotland during last year’s Hunt.

Kirsty Menzies will lead this leisurely walk to note all the wild flowers in bloom around the River Cart and Oakshaw areas. Our findings will be submitted to BSBI and help contribute to vital climate research.

Meet on the left-hand side of Morrisons’ car park, Lonend PA1 1GZ, nearest the Hamills, as shown by the orange marker on the map) at 10 am. This outing will be cancelled if the heavy rain forecast appears.

Get in touch to let us know if you are coming or for further information.

Paisley Town Centre, meeting at Lonend

10am-12.30pm