With the Institute closed due to Covid-19, almost all of our activities and school visits have been postponed or cancelled. This also means we have no income from events and room hire, which means less funding available to support our crucial education work in the future. At this time of ecological crisis, we need more people to learn about the importance and beauty of plants. We really need your help to keep this special place thriving.

Since this is our 110th year, instead of holding a birthday party, we're inviting everyone to join our Botanical Birthday Challenge! Your participation will help support the SLBI garden, collections and education work during this difficult time and will help secure our future. We hope it will also offer you a great opportunity to learn more about the world of plants.

Anyone can take part, whatever your age or ability. Scroll down to see how to get started!

1. Choose your challenge

Your challenge could be anything from identifying all the trees in your neighbourhood, to drawing a flower a day, or keeping a nature journal for a month. Get inspired by our list of ideas (on our website), or come up with your own! There are no rules except to follow government guidelines during the Covid-19 pandemic, and the code of conduct for enjoying wild plants.

2. Get sponsored

Set up a JustGiving page and let your friends and family know about your challenge so that they can sponsor you. Or simply complete a challenge and donate afterwards. There is no minimum sponsorship amount. As a small charity, any amount you raise will make an enormous difference!

3. Complete your challenge

Take photos or a video if you can. Join our Facebook group , tweet us on Twitter (#SLBIBotanicalChallenge) and share the outcome of your challenge with other plant lovers.

4. Celebrate!

The money you raise will go directly to the South London Botanical Institute's core work inspiring people of all ages and backgrounds to study and care about plants.

***

Get started by clicking the orange 'Start fundraising' button at the top of this page.

Questions? Please check the FAQ section on our webpage . You can also email our Individual Giving Coordinator, Julia Minnear, at julia@slbi.org.uk if you'd like to find out more or to chat through your challenge idea!