Botany

Natural Science Collection

The herbarium consists of approximately 50,000 specimens, and is the largest collection in the region, containing a significant and unique record of the local flora. The majority are herbarium sheets of flowering plants, but the collection also includes mosses, liverworts, lichens, fungi, seaweeds, and wood samples. Major collectors include James E. Bagnall, Rev. E. M. Reynolds, Sir John B. Stone, William Whitwell, Christine Goodman and Walter H. Hardaker.

Includes:

  • the Bagnall collection, which was the basis for the first published ‘Flora of Warwickshire’
  • the Ick herbarium, which is a significant early record of the environment of Birmingham
  • the internationally significant Stone herbarium contains type specimens collected by Cyrus G. Pringle.

Please be aware that objects from our collections are not always on public display. 
If you are hoping to view a specific object or collection, please check the ‘Highlights' or 'What to See’ pages on our venue websites for current display information for that venue. Alternatively, feel free to contact us before your visit.

Image gallery

  • Drawing of a plant stalk with small leaves attached to it
  • Sheet of paper with two dried flowering plants taped to it with writing underneath
  • Piece of paper with a dried flowering plant taped to it, underneath is a handwritten note
  • Piece of paper with a dried mossy plant taped to it, a hand written panel is below
  • Piece of paper witha dried leafy plant taped to it, a handwritten panel is underneath