Will you be able to spot early sand-grass or mouse-tail fern when you're out and about?

When more than half of plant species are in decline it's great to spot this tiny grass or extremely little fern

The habitat where Stenogrammitis myosuroides (Kerry Mousetail Fern) was first found. Picture Rory Hodd/ Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland

The recently-published Plant Atlas 2020 showed that more than half of plant species are in decline. But it is not all bad news. Some rare plants are also turning up, including nine new species discovered in Ireland since 2000.

People out walking in the countryside during Easter will enjoy the fresh springing of plants and flowers and trees budding. Since ancient times, after all, the month of April has been known as the ‘fertile one’ when the earth opens up to new growth.