Saltmarshes: Identifying Plant Communities for Professionals

Saltmarshes are an important habitat for a diverse range of specialised plant species. With ongoing threats, there is a lot of work being done across the country to protect and restore saltmarsh habitats. To effectively monitor saltmarshes, it is essential to have the skills to correctly identify the plant communities.

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• Identify most common species of saltmarsh plant.
• Describe where different species are most likely to be found related to the topography and elevation of the marsh.
• Understand different types of saltmarsh (e.g. upper, lower, more freshwater) and which species are typical of each type of saltmarsh.

Who Should Attend? – This course is for adults 18+ (see FAQs) and will be suited to university students, professionals, and those with a specialist interest in saltmarshes.

Knowledge Level – Intermediate. Level descriptors can be found on the following web-page: Framework and Course Level Descriptors

Prior Knowledge – No existing saltmarsh knowledge or experience is needed for this course, just a willingness to explore and learn. Learners will benefit from this course the most if they have some existing botanical knowledge of wildflowers and grasses, sedges, and rushes.

PLEASE NOTE: There is no accommodation or lunch provided with this course. Refreshments (tea and coffee) will be available. If we are unable to reach viable numbers for this course, we will inform you of the course cancellation 4-5 weeks prior to the course run. We would recommend when purchasing accommodation and/or travel you should take out your own insurance.

Bookings will close if course capacity is reached.

Please email [email protected] if you have any questions.

Ian Powell

After a few years of research work in coastal marine ecology, Ian Powell worked as an ecology tutor with the Field Studies Council at Slapton Ley (with lots of marine courses) and on overseas courses to South America. He has since taught undergraduate and master’s degrees in ecology and conservation biology at Edge Hill University, which has included running marine field courses at Millport. Ian also carries out regular botanical and butterfly surveys in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

This course will involve both classroom learning and field excursions to cover all of the learning objectives.

Example Timetable

This timetable is to give you a rough idea of what to expect, and will be subject to change to fit the group, weather, location, and tutor.

Day 1 

• Morning: Introduction to saltmarsh ecology, nature of the flora found on saltmarshes, and safety on saltmarshes.
• Lunch break (lunch is not provided, please bring your own as there is no café on-site)
• Afternoon: Saltmarsh field ID, concentrating exclusively on dicots

Day 2 

• Morning: Introduction to distinguishing grasses, sedges and rushes  followed by saltmarsh field ID, looking at all plant groups and using keys, including the realigned saltmarsh site.
• Lunch break (lunch is not provided, please bring your own as there is no café on-site).
• Afternoon: Final session covering a summary of the plant species, the value and importance of saltmarsh, the process of saltmarsh development – succession and the future conservation and restoration of saltmarshes.

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  Expert Tuition

This course has been carefully created by expert tutors and educators to help you build your knowledge and apply it within the field, surrounded by like-minded individuals.

The course includes:

• Classroom learning covering the theory of the species
• Field excursions to apply new knowledge
• Expert tuition for which the Field Studies Council is renowned
• Clear objectives and progression

You can rest assured that the absolute best content from an expert in environmental education will be provided. In choosing a Field Studies Council course, you will be joining thousands of people who learn with us each year.

There will be a member of staff with first aid training and access to a first aid kit on site. If you have special medical or access requirements, please let us know as soon as possible so we can plan the course.

What to Bring

• Notebook and pencil
• Sensible footwear (e.g. wellies or waterproof walking boots)
• Appropriate clothing for being outdoors depending on the weather (e.g. sunhat, sunglasses, sun cream, waterproofs)
• Small bag to carry personal items
• Lunch and water bottle

If you have them:

• Your preferred wildflower guide
• A x10 hand lens

Recommended Literature

A specific guide for WWT Steart Marshes has been produced. The tutor will have copies available for use during the course, and you will be able to purchase a copy from the office on the day.

• Saltmarsh Plants Guide