'Not just weeds': how rebel botanists are using graffiti to name forgotten flora

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/may/01/not-just-weeds-how-rebel-botanists-are-using-graffiti-to-name-forgotten-flora-aoe?utm_source=Nature+Briefing&utm_campaign=a015790705-briefing-dy-20200504&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_c9dfd39373-a015790705-44992633

Urban trees labelled in locked-down London. (Alastair Fyfe)

Graffiti turns cities into botanical tours

Ephemeral labels are springing up on the plucky plants that inhabit urban streets. ‘Rebel botanists’ are chalking names near weeds and trees to strengthen people’s connection to nature and raise awareness of overlooked flora. The trend first exploded in France and has now taken root in other countries — including the United Kingdom, despite it being illegal to chalk anything on public land. “Botanical chalking gives a quick blast of nature connection, as the words encourage you to look up and notice the tree above you, the leaves, the bark, the insects, the sky,” says one anonymous chalker in London. “And that’s all good for mental health.”

The Guardian | 7 min read