John W Blanchard's 'Spanish Diary 1986' revisited

[Matt T]

Hi Folks,

Almost thirty years ago, the great John Blanchard undertook a trip to Spain looking for Narcissus in the wild. He reported on his trip in the Daffodil Yearbook 1986/7. Reading this article I thought it would make a fascinating research project to revisit his sites so see how the plants he found (or failed to find) have fared, what changes have taken place and what else I might find.

As the timing of this project is critical (end March 2016), I have fallen between the application windows for the SRGC Exploration Fund. So instead I have set up a Crowdfunder page which will allow people to support and share in this research, increasing our knowledge of these plants in the wild that so many of us grow and love: http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/blanchards-spanish-diary/

I'm offering a range of rewards to those who make a pledge, with a focus on sharing the information gathered through this project. Please take a peek at my page. It would be great if you could support my project by pledging, sharing and leaving a nice comment: http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/blanchards-spanish-diary/

Thanks!

[Maggi Young]

Very worthwhile project, Matt - not least because of the benefits that will accrue to the SRGC in terms of  the sharing of information !  Ian and I are happy to support you.
 

[Matt T]

Very worthwhile project, Matt - not least because of the benefits that will accrue to the SRGC in terms of  the sharing of information !  Ian and I are happy to support you.

Sharing my research will be just one way I can pay back the benefits I have received by being a Member of the SRGC!
Thank you for your support!
M

[JPB]

Hi Matt,

Great initiative! I support it and I look forward for it to succeed!

Cheers, Hans

[art600]

Happy to support you Matt

Let us hope for a good growing season and lots of sunshine for the photos.

Arthur

[YT]

Have a good field trip, Matt

[Matt T]

Thank you all for your support and words of encouragement. It will be an interesting trip and I look forward to sharing the results with you.
M

[Dave Hardy]

Fantastic idea and I look forward to reading the results. Happy to support and all the very best. I also have a copy of John's 'Narcissus A Guide to Wild Daffodils' book. Fantastic read and an amazing resource.

Dave

[dumyat]

Happy to support your project, Matt especially as this was my late husband's interest.  He bought Blanchard's book many years ago and many of our holidays were spent in Spain looking for wild daffodils.  Hope your trip goes well.

Ann

[Maggi Young]

Happy to support your project, Matt especially as this was my late husband's interest.  He bought Blanchard's book many years ago and many of our holidays were spent in Spain looking for wild daffodils.  Hope your trip goes well.

Ann

  Remembering the photos of wild narcissus in Galicia from your trip  in 2012.  So lovely to have seen them in nature, Ann.

[Matt T]

Thank you Dave and Ann for your support, it is very much appreciated.

So many generous folk like you have already got me more than halfway towards achieving my fundraising target, which is very encouraging. I just hope that the spring weather in 2016 is kind so that I can find plenty of Narcissus whilst I am there. I look forward to sharing my results with you all on my return.

M

[Liz Mills]

Coincidence is a funny thing, for at the same time as you posted your crowd funding appeal, the SRGC Exploration Fund Committee was discussing removing the application deadline date for expeditions in 2016/7, on a trial basis.  We all agreed to impose no deadline for applications for 2016/7 expeditions and so this now leaves the way open for you (and anyone else) to apply to us for funding at any time.

Just download the application form from the website and send it in to Carol Shaw.

Good Luck.

[Maggi Young]

 I think the trial of a rolling application process for the Exploration Fund is a good idea. 


Main SRGC Grants page  is  http://www.srgc.net/site/index.php/extensions/grants  with  info on Diana Aitchison Grants for students of horticulture and the Exploration Fund.


 Also links from the forum too, of course : http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=12704.0

[fermi de Sousa]

Hi Matt,
I hope that you don't mind that I've added a link on daff.net about your project: http://daffnet.org/
cheers
fermi

[Matt T]

Not at all, Fermi!
Many thanks for spreading the word.
M