This introductory folklore course will look at the history, mythology, and significance of a variety of trees and common wildflower species.
Trees and wildflowers have been beneficial in terms of industry and medicine but also sacred to a variety of civilisations throughout time.
Their beauty and vibrancy has meant that trees and wildflowers have featured in history, culture and folklore since the earliest times. Due to the nature of the creative nature of folklore, this course includes a combination of self-guided reading and exploration to allow you to fully immerse yourself and build your own picture. Encouraging you to take a moment to mindfully appreciate this diverse subject; be inspired and engaged by our wonderful expert tutor. This course allows you to surround yourself with like-minded individuals who share your interest whilst spending time exploring different species and aspects of this expressive subject. This is the perfect starter course for those dipping their toes into the colourful world of British botanical folklore.
Location: Avon Wildlife Trust – Grow Wilder, 181 Frenchay Park Rd, Bristol, BS16 1HB
This fabulous nook of nature within Bristol has the vision to become a place to engage and inspire the local people while actively supporting nature.
There is no accommodation or refreshments provided with this course
Bookings will close if course capacity is reached
Who Should Attend?
Nature enthusiasts, Students, Rangers, Keen folklorists
Knowledge Level
Introductory. Level descriptors can be found on the following webpage: Natural History Framework and Course Level Descriptors
Prior Knowledge
No existing knowledge, or experience is needed for this course. Just a willingness to explore and learn.
What is covered in this course?
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- Historical Uses of Trees
- Tree Folklore Stories
- Historical and Cultural Uses of Wildflowers
This course is a combination of two online courses from 2021 Folklore of Trees and Discovering Wildflowers and Their Folklore.
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
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- Identify some of the traditional and current uses for a range of common British tree species.
- Understand the folklore of five common British tree species.
- Identify the historical and cultural uses of British flowering plants.
- Share this knowledge with friends, family and fellow volunteers
This is a place-based training course from the Field Studies Council, including a balance of classroom-led learning to impart important knowledge and irreplaceable hands-on outdoor learning opportunities to give individuals skills and confidence. After attending this course, you may like to progress your learning within the botany learning framework through further relevant courses or branch out into other areas of natural history. The Field Studies Council offers both online and in person courses, so you can choose the course and the learning style that suits you best.
The course gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in a new subject and acquire novel skills. Our fantastic tutor will combine the use of classroom-led learning and outside learning opportunities to give individuals the skills and confidence to learn more.
- See the ‘Example Timetable’, ‘What’s Included’ and ‘Before You Attend’ sections below for more information about this course
- Upon booking, you will need to provide individual details of all attendees
- Please email [email protected] if you have any questions
Group Bookings Made Easy
If you have a group of 10 or more individuals wanting to complete one of our courses, our team are available to discuss your options – from discounts to private team courses.
- Discounted rates
- Privately run courses for your group
- Bespoke courses developed specifically for your needs
If we are unable to reach viable numbers for this course, we will inform you of the course cancellation 14 days prior to the course run. We would recommend when purchasing accommodation and/or travel you should take out your own insurance.
Tutor: Woody River
Woody River is the Director of Secret Landscapes, which offers guided walks on the themes of botany, foraging and literary heritage. With a BA (Hons) and MA in Literature and Creative Writing, Woody is also a qualified teacher who designs and teaches literature and botany courses for adults, as well as providing private tuition for international secondary school students. She has a particular interest in wildflowers and ferns, and loves observing different species of primate in their natural habitats.
Book with Confidence
We understand the difficulties of making plans in the current situation when guidelines continue to change, and insurance conditions are being tightened. In response, we will continue to offer additional flexibility. Find out more here
Example Timetable
Example Timetable
This timetable is subject to change but should give a clear outline of what to expect
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- Please arrive in time for the course to start promptly at 10:00 am
- The course will end at 5:00 pm.
| 10:00am | Introductions and classroom session covering:
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| 11:00am | Break and prepare for field session – refreshments not provided |
| 11:15am | Guided walk around Grow Wilder |
| 12:30pm | Lunch – not provided |
| 1:30pm | Classroom session covering:
|
| 2:15pm | Break and prepare for field session – refreshments not provided |
| 2:30pm | Guided walk around Grow Wilder |
| 4:15pm | Classroom plenary – summary and final questions |
| 5:00pm | End of course |
Please note - accommodation, refreshments and an evening meal are not included
What's Included
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Expert Tuition
The course has been carefully created by expert tutors and educators to help you continue to build and develop 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.
Before You Attend
What to Bring:
- Notebook and pencil
- Lunch and refreshments
- Sensible footwear and clothing for being outdoors
- Small bag to carry personal items
If you have them:
- Your own reference book(s)
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.
Sorry this course has ended
