Canterbury Botanical Society

The Canterbury Botanical Society is a regional botanical society based in Canterbury, New Zealand. It fosters an interest in and understanding of botany, with a strong emphasis on New Zealand indigenous flora, and aims to bring together people of all ages and levels of expertise in a friendly environment. The Society promotes the preservation of New Zealand plants in their natural habitats, holds monthly meetings and field trips, organises annual spring and/or summer camps, issues a monthly newsletter, and publishes a journal with articles on a wide range of botanical topics. The Society traces its beginnings to the Canterbury Native Flora Society, founded in 1953, when it was felt there was a need for a society focused on Canterbury flora. Its early emphasis was on the cultivation of native plants rather than studying them in the field. In the same year, Lord Bledisloe donated money to establish trophies awarded to members and students for worthy contributions to botany; the Society continues to award these trophies, though the focus of the awards has changed to reflect current needs. Initially only one-day field trips were organised, but from 1957 this extended to weekend trips away. The Society flourished and by 1957 had 167 members. In the 1960s membership declined, and some members felt a broadening of focus was required to include the flora of all New Zealand plus the adventive (introduced) flora. In July 1966 the Canterbury Native Flora Society was renamed the Canterbury Botanical Society, bringing it more into line with the existing Auckland and Wellington Botanical Societies. Membership increased, and in November 1968 the first Canterbury Botanical Society Journal was published; since then a journal has been published in most years. The Society continues to operate as a membership organisation, offering monthly evening meetings and field trips where members share knowledge and learn from one another. The participation of both professional and amateur botanists in Society events has proven to be a successful combination over the years. It maintains an online presence through its website and a Facebook page, and welcomes non-members to attend a meeting or field trip to learn more.

The Canterbury Botanical Society traces its beginnings to the Canterbury Native Flora Society, which was founded in 1953. At the time it was felt that there was a need for a society to focus on Canterbury flora. The early emphasis was on cultivation of native plants rather than studying them in the field. In the same year, Lord Bledisloe donated money to establish trophies to be awarded to members and students for their worthy contribution to botany. The Society continues to award these trophies, although the focus of the awards has changed to reflect the current needs of the Society. Initially only one-day field trips were organised, but from 1957 this extended to weekend trips away. The Society flourished and by 1957 there were 167 members. In the 1960s membership declined and it was felt by some members that a broadening of focus was required to include the flora of all New Zealand plus the adventive (introduced) flora. In July 1966 the Canterbury Native Flora Society was renamed the Canterbury Botanical Society. This brought it more into line with the existing Auckland and Wellington Botanical Societies. Membership increased and in November 1968 the first Canterbury Botanical Society Journal was published. Since this first publication, a journal has been published in most years. The Society aims to promote an interest in the study of botany, particularly the native flora of Canterbury and New Zealand. Its monthly evening meetings and field trips provide members with the opportunity to share their knowledge and learn from others. The participation of both professional and amateur botanists in Society events has proven to be a successful combination over the years. The Society promotes the preservation of New Zealand plants in their natural habitats, holds monthly meetings and field trips, organises annual spring and/or summer camps, issues a monthly newsletter, and publishes a journal with articles on a wide range of botanical topics. It maintains an online presence through its website and a Facebook page, and invites non-members to attend a meeting or field trip to learn more.

• 2023

  Spring Camp held at Amuri Ski Field, St James (November 2023).

• 1968

  In November, the first Canterbury Botanical Society Journal is published.

• 1966

  In July, the Canterbury Native Flora Society is renamed the Canterbury Botanical Society.

• 1957

  Field trips extended from one-day outings to weekend trips away; membership reaches 167.

• 1953

  Canterbury Native Flora Society founded; Lord Bledisloe donates money to establish trophies for contributions to botany.

A friendly, inclusive regional botanical society for both professional and amateur botanists, focused on New Zealand indigenous flora with a Canterbury emphasis.

• Canterbury Botanical Society Journal

  Published in most years since the first issue in November 1968, featuring articles on a wide range of botanical topics.

• Monthly newsletter

  Issued monthly to members.

• Monthly meetings and field trips

  Evening meetings and field trips for members to share knowledge and learn from others.

• Annual spring and/or summer camps

  Organised annually, such as the November 2023 Spring Camp at Amuri Ski Field, St James.

1. 1Canterbury Botanical Societycanterburybotanicalsociety.org.nz
2. 2About Us | Canterbury Botanical Societycanterburybotanicalsociety.org.nz
3. 3Canterbury Botanical Societywikidata.org