2024 County Report for West Perthshire

Liz Lavery and Jane Jones

For the year 2024, over 3700 records have been collected and entered into the DDb. All have now been confirmed. There were approximately 6 people or groups sending in these records which is very much appreciated, but a special thank you must go to Matt Harding and Anne Gilchrist for their contributions. The RPR spreadsheet was updated to the end of 2023 and from recording this year 66 new records of RPR species will be added in.

Anne had a couple of the interesting finds in the Trossachs. She recorded Dryopteris aemula (Hay-scented Buckler Fern) near the east end of Loch Katrine, not recorded since the 1980’s but now with a good grid reference and she discovered that Hymenophyllum wilsoii (Wilson’s Filmy-fern) was much more widespread in this same area once she explored more carefully. John Gallacher refound Paris quadrifolia (Herb Paris) in the River Devon Gorge, east of Dollar, again this had not been recorded in this location since the 1980’s and likewise O. Lasne recorded Salix myrsinites (Whortle-leaved Willow) on Beinn A’ Choin, the last record on this mountain being in 1983.

The Stirling Botany Group ventured into VC87 on a few occasions on their evening outings, exploring some of the richer spots with a variety of habitats and species.

Both VC recorders, Liz Lavery and Jane Jones have been Identiplant tutors this year and helped 9 students complete the online course.