Botanical University Challenge
@bucbotany.bsky.social
Annual plant knowledge quiz among UK and Irish Universities. For more information https://botanicaluniversitychallenge.co.uk/
🌱🌾🌍🌺🍄🌳🐝More #BUC2026 teams! Dundee Daffodils, Rage Against the Rhododendron (Galway), Harper Plant-hoppers, Stomata - Hardly Know Her (Leeds), Xylem - We Hardly Know 'Em (Nottingham) & Life and Let Thymes (Oxford). Such great team names! More later!! Competition starts Wednesday 11 February!!!
February 9, 2026 at 10:11 AM
🌱🌾🌍🌺🍄🌳🐝More #BUC2026 teams! Dundee Daffodils, Rage Against the Rhododendron (Galway), Harper Plant-hoppers, Stomata - Hardly Know Her (Leeds), Xylem - We Hardly Know 'Em (Nottingham) & Life and Let Thymes (Oxford). Such great team names! More later!! Competition starts Wednesday 11 February!!!
🌱🌾🌍🌺🍄🧪🌳🐝 More #BUC2026 teams! Aberdeen - 2025 champions, Cambridge 2024 champions, Eden Project several times semifinalists, Edge Hill teams from start 2016, Essex new this year, Edinburgh another Scottish team! Welcome to all!! @camplantsci.bsky.social @newphyt.bsky.social @bsbibotany.bsky.social
February 8, 2026 at 11:49 AM
🌱🌾🌍🌺🍄🧪🌳🐝 More #BUC2026 teams! Aberdeen - 2025 champions, Cambridge 2024 champions, Eden Project several times semifinalists, Edge Hill teams from start 2016, Essex new this year, Edinburgh another Scottish team! Welcome to all!! @camplantsci.bsky.social @newphyt.bsky.social @bsbibotany.bsky.social
🌱🌾🌍🌺🍄🌳🐝More teams Botanical University Challenge #BUC2026. Pennywort Lane team, Liverpool (past runner-up, had a few years rest!), We Havn't Got A Clusia from Portsmouth, You Betula Believe It, Royal Holloway (for 2nd year) & Not-So-Hot Potatoes from Southampton (also past runner-up).
February 7, 2026 at 11:44 AM
🌱🌾🌍🌺🍄🌳🐝More teams Botanical University Challenge #BUC2026. Pennywort Lane team, Liverpool (past runner-up, had a few years rest!), We Havn't Got A Clusia from Portsmouth, You Betula Believe It, Royal Holloway (for 2nd year) & Not-So-Hot Potatoes from Southampton (also past runner-up).
🌱🌾🌍🌺🍄🌳🐝 More teams and their amazing names for Botanical University Challenge #BUC2026. See 'I kissed a Burl, and I liked it' (Anglia Ruskin), 'Top of the Poplars' (Bristol) and 'Durham Dendrons' (Durham)!
February 6, 2026 at 10:15 AM
🌱🌾🌍🌺🍄🌳🐝 More teams and their amazing names for Botanical University Challenge #BUC2026. See 'I kissed a Burl, and I liked it' (Anglia Ruskin), 'Top of the Poplars' (Bristol) and 'Durham Dendrons' (Durham)!
🌱🌾🌍🌺🍄🧪🌳🐝 Who will be asking the questions in Botanical University Challenge #BUC2026 in February? Dr Martin Barker, Aberdeen (team #BUC2025 winners !), Professor Yoselin Benitez-Alfonso, Leeds (team new arrival #BUC2025) & Dr Karen Bacon, Galway (first Irish team, #BUC2022) @yoselin.bsky.social
February 5, 2026 at 10:58 AM
🌱🌾🌍🌺🍄🧪🌳🐝 Who will be asking the questions in Botanical University Challenge #BUC2026 in February? Dr Martin Barker, Aberdeen (team #BUC2025 winners !), Professor Yoselin Benitez-Alfonso, Leeds (team new arrival #BUC2025) & Dr Karen Bacon, Galway (first Irish team, #BUC2022) @yoselin.bsky.social
🌱🌾🌍🌺🍄🧪🌳🐝 This year Botanical University Challenge has teams from 3 universities in Wales. Bangor @bangoruniversity.bsky.social and Cardiff Universities have joined Aberystwyth @aberuni.bsky.social . Croeso! See the teams and the range of plant degrees available at these universities. #BUC2026
February 4, 2026 at 10:12 AM
🌱🌾🌍🌺🍄🧪🌳🐝 This year Botanical University Challenge has teams from 3 universities in Wales. Bangor @bangoruniversity.bsky.social and Cardiff Universities have joined Aberystwyth @aberuni.bsky.social . Croeso! See the teams and the range of plant degrees available at these universities. #BUC2026
🌱🌾🌍🌺🍄🧪🌳🐝 Botanical University Challenge #BUC2026. All this year's teams signed-up; a record 32 from around the UK and Ireland. Some new, some returning, some regular, two present in every competition since the start in 2016! Welcome to all! Which ones are you supporting?
February 3, 2026 at 11:48 AM
🌱🌾🌍🌺🍄🧪🌳🐝 Botanical University Challenge #BUC2026. All this year's teams signed-up; a record 32 from around the UK and Ireland. Some new, some returning, some regular, two present in every competition since the start in 2016! Welcome to all! Which ones are you supporting?
🌱🌾🌍🌺🍄🧪🌳🐝 Need more preparation for Botanical University Challenge #BUC2026 ? Think about rainforests. Not all are tropical. Some types are rare; where would you find temperate rainforest? Five suggestions on the picture but which is correct?
February 2, 2026 at 12:24 PM
🌱🌾🌍🌺🍄🧪🌳🐝 Need more preparation for Botanical University Challenge #BUC2026 ? Think about rainforests. Not all are tropical. Some types are rare; where would you find temperate rainforest? Five suggestions on the picture but which is correct?
🌱🌾🌲🌍🌿🍄🌺🌳🌴🌷🪳🥦 Getting ready for Botanical University Challenge #BUC2026? Just over 10 days to the big event. Will be live-streamed YouTube - follow QR code. See recording previous years contests same place. Here's a question to whet your appetite!
February 1, 2026 at 11:31 AM
🌱🌾🌲🌍🌿🍄🌺🌳🌴🌷🪳🥦 Getting ready for Botanical University Challenge #BUC2026? Just over 10 days to the big event. Will be live-streamed YouTube - follow QR code. See recording previous years contests same place. Here's a question to whet your appetite!
🌱🌾🌲🌍🌿🍄🌺🌳🌴🌷🪳🥦 Another question from a past Botanical University Challenge contest, showing the range of knowledge that involves plants. Think about what baby moths and butterflies eat (i.e. caterpillars) as well as what the beautiful adults need. #BUC2026
January 31, 2026 at 9:54 AM
🌱🌾🌲🌍🌿🍄🌺🌳🌴🌷🪳🥦 Another question from a past Botanical University Challenge contest, showing the range of knowledge that involves plants. Think about what baby moths and butterflies eat (i.e. caterpillars) as well as what the beautiful adults need. #BUC2026
🌱🌾🌲🌍🌿🍄🌺🌳🌴🌷🪳🥦 Another question from last year's Botanical University Challenge. Shows the wide range of the plant-themed questions. This year's competition starts 11 February. #BUC2026
January 30, 2026 at 9:40 AM
🌱🌾🌲🌍🌿🍄🌺🌳🌴🌷🪳🥦 Another question from last year's Botanical University Challenge. Shows the wide range of the plant-themed questions. This year's competition starts 11 February. #BUC2026
🌱🌾🌲🌍🌿🍄🌺🌳🌴🌷🪳🥦 Try another question from a past Botanical University Challenge competition? Which has the latest regular flowering time of these 5 plants, specifically in UK & Ireland. Although interesting to know answer in other parts of the world. #BUC2026
January 29, 2026 at 11:47 AM
🌱🌾🌲🌍🌿🍄🌺🌳🌴🌷🪳🥦 Try another question from a past Botanical University Challenge competition? Which has the latest regular flowering time of these 5 plants, specifically in UK & Ireland. Although interesting to know answer in other parts of the world. #BUC2026
🌱🌾🌲🌍🌿🍄🌺🌳🌴🌷🪳🥦 Preparing for Botanical University Challenge #BUC2026? Can you name the plant in the picture? Five possible names as well. For a bonus - is it a monocot or a dicot?
January 28, 2026 at 3:35 PM
🌱🌾🌲🌍🌿🍄🌺🌳🌴🌷🪳🥦 Preparing for Botanical University Challenge #BUC2026? Can you name the plant in the picture? Five possible names as well. For a bonus - is it a monocot or a dicot?
🌱🌾🌲🌍🌿🍄🌺🌳🌴🌷🪳🥦 At December's @bsbibotany.bsky.social Jonathan Mitchley @drmgoeswild.bsky.social & Lauren Baker @cubotanicgarden.bsky.social explained the impact that Botanical University Challenge #BUC2026 is having on students in UK & Ireland. Big, positive, impact!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0bK...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0bK...
January 27, 2026 at 11:01 AM
🌱🌾🌲🌍🌿🍄🌺🌳🌴🌷🪳🥦 At December's @bsbibotany.bsky.social Jonathan Mitchley @drmgoeswild.bsky.social & Lauren Baker @cubotanicgarden.bsky.social explained the impact that Botanical University Challenge #BUC2026 is having on students in UK & Ireland. Big, positive, impact!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0bK...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0bK...
🌱🌾🌲🌍🌿🍄🌺🌳🌴🌷🪳🥦 Memories of 2025 Student Botany Festival, held University of Cambridge. Best part Helena Brown was the flash talks from students - atmosphere was electric and such enthusiasm. Move in newsletter & YouTube. @cubotanicgarden.bsky.social botanicaluniversitychallenge.co.uk/the-thymes/
January 26, 2026 at 12:30 PM
🌱🌾🌲🌍🌿🍄🌺🌳🌴🌷🪳🥦 Memories of 2025 Student Botany Festival, held University of Cambridge. Best part Helena Brown was the flash talks from students - atmosphere was electric and such enthusiasm. Move in newsletter & YouTube. @cubotanicgarden.bsky.social botanicaluniversitychallenge.co.uk/the-thymes/
🌱🌾🌲🌍🌿🍄🌺🌳🌴🌷🪳🥦 Immediately after #BUC2026 will be Fourth Student Botany Festival at University of Reading. Two days for students from all over UK & Ireland enthusiastic about plants to meet, talk & learn. Preview of plans in current issue newsletter. @drmgoeswild.bsky.social
January 25, 2026 at 10:40 AM
🌱🌾🌲🌍🌿🍄🌺🌳🌴🌷🪳🥦 Immediately after #BUC2026 will be Fourth Student Botany Festival at University of Reading. Two days for students from all over UK & Ireland enthusiastic about plants to meet, talk & learn. Preview of plans in current issue newsletter. @drmgoeswild.bsky.social
🌱🌾🌲🌍🌿🍄🌺🌳🌴🌷🪳🥦 Semifinal & final Botanical University Challenge #BUC2026 will be at University of Reading in August. Whole event held here one day 2019. Only 6 teams. Memories from @drmgoeswild.bsky.social in recent issue of our newsletter. How many teams will be in #BUC2026? Definitely over 30 !
January 24, 2026 at 10:19 AM
🌱🌾🌲🌍🌿🍄🌺🌳🌴🌷🪳🥦 Semifinal & final Botanical University Challenge #BUC2026 will be at University of Reading in August. Whole event held here one day 2019. Only 6 teams. Memories from @drmgoeswild.bsky.social in recent issue of our newsletter. How many teams will be in #BUC2026? Definitely over 30 !
🌱🌾🌲🌍🌿🍄🌺🌳🌴🌷🪳🥦 To get in the mood for Botanical University Challenge #BUC2026 (starts streaming YouTube 14:00 GMT 11 Feb), here's a question from last year!
January 23, 2026 at 10:51 AM
🌱🌾🌲🌍🌿🍄🌺🌳🌴🌷🪳🥦 To get in the mood for Botanical University Challenge #BUC2026 (starts streaming YouTube 14:00 GMT 11 Feb), here's a question from last year!
🧪🌿🌾🌹🏵🪳🐌🌍 What should be the required and optional content in Biology or Biological Sciences degrees? The case for including plants as required content in latest issue of newsletter of Botanical University Challenge botanicaluniversitychallenge.co.uk/the-thymes/ ##BUC2026
January 22, 2026 at 10:12 AM
🧪🌿🌾🌹🏵🪳🐌🌍 What should be the required and optional content in Biology or Biological Sciences degrees? The case for including plants as required content in latest issue of newsletter of Botanical University Challenge botanicaluniversitychallenge.co.uk/the-thymes/ ##BUC2026
🌱🌾🌲🌍🌿🍄🌺🌳🌴🌷🪳🥦 Newsletter of Botanical University Challenge includes reviews of books with a botanical slant. Latest 2 are multi-award-winning 'A City on Mars' by Kelly & Zach Weinersmith, and 'Underland' by Robert Macfarlane. Read to see what you think. botanicaluniversitychallenge.co.uk/the-thymes/
January 21, 2026 at 10:41 AM
🌱🌾🌲🌍🌿🍄🌺🌳🌴🌷🪳🥦 Newsletter of Botanical University Challenge includes reviews of books with a botanical slant. Latest 2 are multi-award-winning 'A City on Mars' by Kelly & Zach Weinersmith, and 'Underland' by Robert Macfarlane. Read to see what you think. botanicaluniversitychallenge.co.uk/the-thymes/
🌱🌾🌲🌍🌿🍄🌺🌳🌴🌷🪳🥦 Read about student enthusiasm for woodland fungi in latest issue of newsletter Botanical University Challenge, The Thymes.
botanicaluniversitychallenge.co.uk/the-thymes/ #BUC2026
botanicaluniversitychallenge.co.uk/the-thymes/ #BUC2026
January 20, 2026 at 9:40 AM
🌱🌾🌲🌍🌿🍄🌺🌳🌴🌷🪳🥦 Read about student enthusiasm for woodland fungi in latest issue of newsletter Botanical University Challenge, The Thymes.
botanicaluniversitychallenge.co.uk/the-thymes/ #BUC2026
botanicaluniversitychallenge.co.uk/the-thymes/ #BUC2026
🌱🌾🌍🌺🍄🌳🐝 More teams from Universities and Institutions in UK and Ireland registering for Botanical University Challenge #BUC2026. Until Friday 23 January for others to register.
Starting to see what teams look like - and their names. Here's University of Southampton - The Not-So-Hot Potatoes!
Starting to see what teams look like - and their names. Here's University of Southampton - The Not-So-Hot Potatoes!
January 19, 2026 at 9:28 AM
🌱🌾🌍🌺🍄🌳🐝 More teams from Universities and Institutions in UK and Ireland registering for Botanical University Challenge #BUC2026. Until Friday 23 January for others to register.
Starting to see what teams look like - and their names. Here's University of Southampton - The Not-So-Hot Potatoes!
Starting to see what teams look like - and their names. Here's University of Southampton - The Not-So-Hot Potatoes!
🌱🌾🌲🌍🌿🍄🌺🌳🌴🌷🪳🥦 Read about Big Meadow Search @bigmeadowsearch.bsky.social where people around UK record plants in meadows, road verges, churchyards & amenity grassland. Also career change to plants. Read about both in
botanicaluniversitychallenge.co.uk/the-thymes/ #BUC2026
botanicaluniversitychallenge.co.uk/the-thymes/ #BUC2026
January 18, 2026 at 10:34 AM
🌱🌾🌲🌍🌿🍄🌺🌳🌴🌷🪳🥦 Read about Big Meadow Search @bigmeadowsearch.bsky.social where people around UK record plants in meadows, road verges, churchyards & amenity grassland. Also career change to plants. Read about both in
botanicaluniversitychallenge.co.uk/the-thymes/ #BUC2026
botanicaluniversitychallenge.co.uk/the-thymes/ #BUC2026
Feature of Botanical University Challenge is imaginative names of teams. Most popular ones each year, by public acclaim, get a prize. The current issue of newsletter The Thymes lists winners - but where are they from? Answers on last page! #BUC2026
botanicaluniversitychallenge.co.uk/the-thymes/
botanicaluniversitychallenge.co.uk/the-thymes/
January 17, 2026 at 10:03 AM
Feature of Botanical University Challenge is imaginative names of teams. Most popular ones each year, by public acclaim, get a prize. The current issue of newsletter The Thymes lists winners - but where are they from? Answers on last page! #BUC2026
botanicaluniversitychallenge.co.uk/the-thymes/
botanicaluniversitychallenge.co.uk/the-thymes/
🌱🌾🌲🌍🌿🍄🌺🌳🌴🌷🪳🐝🧬🥦 Read about student at Edge Hill University becoming enthusiastic about ferns and describing value of engagement with scientific societies. In The Thymes, newsletter of Botanical University botanicaluniversitychallenge.co.uk/the-thymes/C...
January 16, 2026 at 9:55 AM
🌱🌾🌲🌍🌿🍄🌺🌳🌴🌷🪳🐝🧬🥦 Read about student at Edge Hill University becoming enthusiastic about ferns and describing value of engagement with scientific societies. In The Thymes, newsletter of Botanical University botanicaluniversitychallenge.co.uk/the-thymes/C...