Freshwater Algae

The area around Kindrogan provides a diversity of habitats for freshwater and sub-aerial algae, offering many opportunities to learn about this fascinating and ecologically important group of plants.
We shall take full advantage of this excellent range of local aquatic and terrestrial habitats in this beautiful area of Highland Perthshire to provide a sound introduction to the recognition, identification and ecology of freshwater algae. Emphasis will be placed on the use of the microscope and taxonomic keys for the identification of algae to generic and species level, but ecological considerations will not be ignored.
For those with some prior experience of the algae, we hope that the opportunity to study samples from a range of habitats will broaden their knowledge and/or allow them to focus on particular groups.
Field trips, on foot or by road, will be varied, but not strenuous and will be complemented by laboratory work, illustrated talks and class discussion.
The course focuses on how to become familiar with the major algal groups and get to grips with identification, while providing an overview of algal morphology, structure, reproduction, and classification (morphological and molecular).

Eileen Cox and Elliot Shubert are Researchers in diatoms and green algae respectively at the Natural History Museum, London. This is the 17th year they have offered the course.

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