Mosses and Liverworts

The course is intended to provide a sound introduction to mosses and liverworts. It is suitable for beginners, and will also appeal to those who wish to revise their knowledge of mosses and liverworts before taking it further in an area which supports a rich and varied flora. Emphasis will be placed on identification, and individual help will be given at all levels, both in the field and in the laboratory.

A detailed insight into the life of mosses and liverworts will be provided by slide lectures and discussion and by first-hand observation. This will be achieved by taking full advantage of the wide range of habitats within easy reach of the Centre, and will be supported by evening work using microscopes. It will thus be possible, not only to develop skills in recognising species in the field, but also to confirm them by using keys for identification.

Martha Newton is a biological consultant, specialising in bryophytes, with wide experience of teaching at all levels. Her publications are concerned with British and Antarctic bryophytes, as well as mosquito cyto-genetics. Much of her teaching and research has been at Manchester University, but she has also worked at Liverpool Museum on the revision of Flora Europaea. She is a British Bryological Society hepatic referee, and served for 19 years on the editorial board of the Journal of Bryology, 11 of them also as General Secretary of the BBS. Martha is able to provide students with individual help at all levels. She places strong emphasis on field characters and ecological indicators, encourages confidence in the use of keys, and endeavours to make her field courses as enjoyable as they are useful.

Further Information

This course is now historical and therefore no bookings can be taken.