Welcome to the Spore Exchange

The aim of the Spore Exchange is to make available to BPS members a wide range of spores from fern species and cultivars, many of which will not be available elsewhere.

Donations may be made throughout the year, and these are used to produce an availability list on 1st January each year. Members may order up to 20 taxa from this list until 31 st March and there is no charge for this service

So, the ordering system is currently closed, but we very much welcome donations to add to next
year’s list.

Becoming a spore donor

The Spore Exchange is completely reliant on the generosity of those members who donate 
spores. In recognition of this, donor’s orders are given preference, a great advantage at the start
of the distribution when rare varieties can soon run out. Donors may also order an additional 10
varieties. 

Please consider if you can help in this way. Collecting spores is relatively easy and requires no
special skills or equipment. We welcome spores from all kinds of ferns, so there is bound to be
something that you grow that would be of interest to other members. We are grateful for
donations of packaged fertile fronds to fully cleaned spores and anything in between. There is
practical advice given in the links on the right of this page, and we are always willing to offer help
and support. Please feel free to e-mail us on spores@britishfernsociety.org.uk.

 
Short viability spores
 
Short viability or green spores are dealt with separately and are sent out throughout the year
within a few days of receipt. If you wish to receive an e-mail notification when such spores are
available, please contact us and we will add your e-mail address to the distribution list. If you
collect such spores, please send them as soon as possible after harvesting.
 
Thank you!
Brian & Sue Dockerill
spores@britishfernsociety.org.uk