Fern Flora Worldwide: Threats and Responses

An International Symposium
23-26 July 2001

FIRST CIRCULAR, OCTOBER 1999

British Pteridological Society
with
Species Survival Commission Specialist Group for Pteridophytes

INTRODUCTION

In recognition of the increasing pressures being placed on pteridophyte populations worldwide, the British Pteridological Society, in conjunction with the World Conservation Union (IUCN) Species Survival Commission Specialist Group for Pteridophytes, is organising this international symposium. Specialised habitat requirements are widespread across the fern flora, making pteridophytes particularly vulnerable to familiar threats such as alien plant invasions, the activities of man, and climatic change. It is expected that this symposium will be a significant contribution to pteridophyte conservation awareness and action.

OUTLINE PROGRAMME

The following themes will be discussed: 1. The Status Report. What do we know; where are the fern hot spots; what are the main threats; the uses - medicinal and ornamental ferns. 2. Conservation Techniques. The role of the botanic gardens; micropropagation; cryo-preservation; spore banking, re-introductions; population genetics; molecular analysis. 3. Networking with Others. Who is doing what (NGOs, government and international agencies, local communities); national and international legislation; how effective are they. 4. Action Plans and Programmes. Case studies - how successful are they; what monitoring is needed. 5. Education. What can we learn from ferns that develops the conservation message; diversity; climate indicators.

VENUE

The symposium will be held on the campus of the University of Surrey in Guildford. This university is relatively new, which is reflected in the pleasing layout of the spacious campus, and the wide range of facilities available. Situated in the beautiful Surrey countryside, Guildford is an old market town with riverside walks, gardens, and historic buildings. At the same time, it has the richness and amenities of a city, and is conveniently located close to, and equidistant from, both London Heathrow and London Gatwick airports.

CALL FOR PAPERS

If you wish to contribute a paper or poster to a particular theme please contact: Clive Jermy, Co-ordinator of the Scientific Programme, C/o The Department of Botany, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, England.

PROCEEDINGS

The proceedings will be published in The Fern Gazette, the academic journal of the British Pteridological Society.

SECOND CIRCULAR

If you would like to receive the second circular for this symposium, due in July 2000, please complete the form in the printed circular, and send before 31 March 2000 to: The British Pteridological Society, Department of Botany, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, England.

A copy of the printed version of the circular can be viewed or downloaded as an Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) file. If you do not have an Acrobat reader you can download one free from the Adobe site.

This page was last updated on 28/1/00