A Rare Plant Register (RPR) is a curated record of the plant species in Dorset that are considered rare, threatened, or of particular conservation interest. Following the Botanical Society of Britain & Ireland (BSBI) framework, our register highlights taxa that meet nationally recognised rarity criteria, such as nationally rare or nationally scarce species, plants recorded from very few sites, or those known from ten or fewer locations and showing evidence of decline. Native species and archaeophytes that fall within these categories are included as standard, while neophytes of notable cultural or local significance may be added where appropriate. By bringing these records together in one place, the RPR provides an authoritative snapshot of Dorset’s most vulnerable flora and their current status.
The RPR is a practical conservation tool. Rare plants are far more often lost through lack of awareness than through deliberate harm, and making reliable information accessible is essential for good land management. Many of Dorset’s rare species occur on nature reserves or sites managed for wildlife, and an up‑to‑date RPR helps ensure that managers, ecologists, and volunteers understand what is present and can tailor management accordingly. We encourage anyone using the register to follow the Countryside Code, respect access restrictions, and enjoy Dorset’s flora responsibly.
You can download the full list here Dorset Rare Plant Register or browse the interactive list below.
