Sphagnum

This course provides an opportunity to establish a high level of competence in identifying species of Sphagnum, a genus of unparalleled ecological significance in wetland habitats. Using methods which have helped many students to get to know Sphagnum well and to make consistently reliable identifications, the course will allow ample time to develop field as well as laboratory skills.

A strong emphasis on field identification will be developed from the outset, and individual help will be given throughout, making the course equally suitable for beginners and for others, including professionals, who wish to extend their knowledge of Sphagnum where the genus is exceptionally well-represented. By taking full advantage of the Centre's location, it will be possible to become familiar with a substantial proportion of the 30 or so British species.

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.

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