They can be identified by the local Water Resources authority, who will give instructions on how to send samples. If specimen is bulky or very wet, flatten it very carefully. Pack well to avoid squashing before mailing. Fungi Try to collect a range of individuals from immature to adult, and record colours and substrate. Dig out the whole fungus, including the base of the stalk.
Speed is essential, especially with fleshy species.
Specimens for the Herbarium Your specimens, even of common species, are scientifically valuable, and may be incorporated into the Herbarium. Good data is essential for such collections. It is worth remembering also that many new species turn up initially as one-off collections by wildlife management personnel who see an anomalous plant and send it to an accredited herbarium for identification. An annotated selected bibliography of useful referecnces is available at the Visitor Information Centre . Many of the books in this bibliography are also availble for public use at the Public Reference Herbarium at the centre and members of the public are encouraged to identify their own specimens.