Volunteer Hub
Databasing historical plant records
Organisation Details
Firs Botanical Grounds
Activity type: Administration, Culture, Heritage
Sub theme: Culture, Heritage, Libraries
Stellify Award: This opportunity is part of 'Make a Difference'
Organisation Description: The University of Manchester Botanical Grounds is part of the Firs Environmental Research Station, located close to Owen's Park in Fallowfield. We offer a range of volunteering opportunities for taking part in gardening activities, contributing towards building a botanical garden for outreach and teaching.
Description of role: The Firs Botanical Grounds has a large collection of plant records from 1960 to the 1990s, in the form of old library style index cards and bound books. We are aiming to get all the information from these records onto our online database to make accessing historical records much quicker and simpler, and as a backup in the case the paper records are lost. This will also make it much easier to identify older plants on site and find the year of acquisition along with other info we may need.
The task will involve getting to grips with the database, going through the plant records and researching each plant, using Kew's Plants of the World Online system to find name changes, distribution, synonyms etc. to complete each entry to full scientific accuracy. You will also transcribe any notes on the index cards about the origins of the plant, where it was planted, who donated it etc.
Competency with excel is required, along with good basic computer skills. Volunteers will gain experience in cataloguing/databasing heritage records, knowledge of taxonomy, and scientific nomenclature. Volunteers can also further their skills in excel and research, and see what it is like to work as part of a botanical garden team.
The site is situated in the Fallowfield Campus next to Uttley House. Those needing to travel can take any of the buses travelling down Oxford Road (41, 42s, 142, 143, 147) and disembark at the Owen's Park stop, or if driving, park in the Armitage Centre car park. There are good cycle lanes down Oxford road also for those who wish to travel by bicycle.
The task will involve getting to grips with the database, going through the plant records and researching each plant, using Kew's Plants of the World Online system to find name changes, distribution, synonyms etc. to complete each entry to full scientific accuracy. You will also transcribe any notes on the index cards about the origins of the plant, where it was planted, who donated it etc.
Competency with excel is required, along with good basic computer skills. Volunteers will gain experience in cataloguing/databasing heritage records, knowledge of taxonomy, and scientific nomenclature. Volunteers can also further their skills in excel and research, and see what it is like to work as part of a botanical garden team.
The site is situated in the Fallowfield Campus next to Uttley House. Those needing to travel can take any of the buses travelling down Oxford Road (41, 42s, 142, 143, 147) and disembark at the Owen's Park stop, or if driving, park in the Armitage Centre car park. There are good cycle lanes down Oxford road also for those who wish to travel by bicycle.
Skills / qualities associated with the role: Administration, IT Skills, Research
Are volunteer expenses available?: No
Duration of role: Ongoing / Long term
Opportunity times: Monday AM, Monday PM
DBS required: Off
Can reasonable adjustments be made regarding additional needs?: Yes
Is this organisation part of the Sports Volunteering Scheme (SVS)?: No
Minimum hours commitment: .
Location:
Whitworth Lane
Manchester
M14 6HE