Grasses and Sedges

We shall not be hunting for rarities or clocking up a long list of species, but rather we shall spend time consolidating an understanding and developing a confidence to tackle their identification independently. Given the short duration of the course, we will concentrate on the commoner members of each family and focus particularly on floral rather than vegetative features.

We shall spend most of the weekend outside exploring the local habitats. The emphasis of the course will be on identification by close examination as well as considering useful field characteristics. The pace will seldom be strenuous. However, participants must be prepared to be out in all weathers and to walk over all sorts of terrain.

Wet weather will not stop play, though we may spend more of the time working inside. Plenty of guidance will be given in the use of scientific keys to identification. You will be encouraged to make use of a hand lens and also the low power microscope, not just as aids to identification but in order to wonder and enquire at the intricacy and beauty of these, often overlooked, yet attractive plants that are so often lumped together as being “green and dull and difficult to identify”. For two groups of plants that contribute such a major part to our wilder landscapes, it seems a pity to neglect them.

Ros Bennett

Ros Bennett is a botanist and ecologist. She was formerly a full-time tutor at Flatford Mill and then organiser and leader of courses for Field Studies Council overseas. She has written books on flowers and trees and has taught courses on plant identification to all age groups, and to both amateurs and professionals.

Residential accommodation at Flatford Mill is provided within our historic Grade I listed buildings. Rooms are clean, comfortable and functional, but are intentionally simple and should be considered field centre accommodation rather than hotel-standard accommodation. Many guests value the character and heritage of the site, although facilities reflect the age and nature of the buildings.

Whilst most rooms are either en-suite or have a dedicated bathroom, there are some rooms in The Mill that share showers and toilets at the end of the hall. If this is unsuitable for you please make the office staff aware upon booking or as soon as possible.

Please be aware that you are visiting a Field Centre that caters in the main for school parties; the accommodation is basic and dormitory style, but warm and comfortable.

Check-in is between 1600-1800, if you are arriving after 1800 please advise us, so we can ensure you are advised of access codes, room key location, and room location.

You will meet the tutor at dinner, and you will have your first session after dinner.

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  Expert Tuition
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  Free Wi-Fi
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  Full Board Accommodation
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  Hot and Cold Drinks
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  Picnic Lunch

Full board accommodation and picnic lunch is available for resident bookings only.

Refreshments are included for all, but non-resident bookings are advised to bring a packed lunch with you.

Please bring the following with you if you can

• A hand lens x 10 magnification), available on loan or the tutor can supply these at the first meeting (at c. £8.00)
• Two pairs of fine pointed forceps (if you have them) and / or two mounted needles. (Available on loan) Not essential but handy.
• Wellingtons/waterproofs. Just in case. (Available on loan from the Centre) Plus sun hat and sun lotion – just in case!
• A notebook, pencils and pens
• A lunch box/salad box and flask/drink bottle

RECOMMENDED BOOKS (NB None are essential.)

• Grasses, Sedges, Rushes & Ferns of Britain & Northern Europe. 1984. Fitter, R.; Fitter, A. & Farrer, A. Collins
• Colour Identification Guide to the Grasses, Sedges, Rushes & Ferns of the British Isles and NW Europe. 1989. Rose, F.; Viking
• New Flora of the British Isles Stace, C.A. (CUP) (some copies available on loan) And/or any other books you are accustomed to using. None is essential