AIM: To produce a pressed collection of local weeds (Use only local weeds so as not to spread weeds from one locale to another).

• A4 paper,
• Plastic bags,
• Gloves,
• Paper towel,
• Scissors,
• Plastic sheet protectors,
• Ring binder,
• Newspaper,
• Flat heavy objects to be used as weights, and
• Weed identification materials or weed expert.

• The specimen should fit onto an A4 sheet of paper.
• To collect safely, students may require gloves or secateurs to collect some weeds.
• Collect intact specimens with undamaged leaves attached to stems and include roots if possible. Try to collect reproductive parts such as flowers, fruits and nuts.
• Place the collected specimen in a plastic bag along with a note that states what it is (if you know) and where it was found.

• Use paper towels to dry damp specimens.
• Trim specimens to reduce their bulk and the chances of ‘mould out’.
• Place weeds between separate sheets of folded newspaper. Include a scrap of paper with some of the plants’ details so you can identify them easily later.
• Place weights on your specimens, making sure that each one has something flat immediately above and below. Old encyclopaedias make good weights.
• Store in a dry, well-aired place and check each week for mould. Change newspapers if the specimens look mouldy.
• Allow four to six weeks for a good press.

• Try a ‘microwave’ press. Place plants between two flat plates and zap. You will need to experiment with times and settings.

• You can also experiment with a flatbed scanner to capture the weed as a ‘computer image’. This can produce beautiful images.

• Tape each weed to separate A4 sheets of paper or card.
• Make a specimen card (see below for a sample) to record information for each weed. Stick it to the A4 sheet.
• Slip the A4 sheet into a plastic sheet protector and clip into a ring folder.

• Common name
• Scientific name
• Where it was found
• How the weed may have got there
• Date
• Collector’s name