[3] The atlas contains 10-km square distribution maps for all non-critical native and frequently occurring alien vascular plant species found in Britain and Ireland.

[4] The 1962 Atlas was a groundbreaking publication that revolutionized the study of natural history by introducing a scientific approach to observation.

This approach, which was initially developed for national purposes, has since been adopted on an international scale and is now widely used in biological recording programs.

As a result, the volume of available records has increased tenfold and they are now routinely used for research, conservation, and public policy purposes.

[4] Even in remote areas, the effects of air pollution and climate change are becoming increasingly evident.