Learn how to identify the most common wildflower species in the UK; an important step in understanding the environment around you and developing your skills. Explore different habitats and uncover the variety of wildflower species specific to certain areas. Learn how to confidently use field guides and identification keys in this beginners botany course.
What will be covered during this course?
- How to identify ten of the major plant families of the UK
- Using a key to identify a plant family
- How to use identification keys to identify species within the ten families
- Field visits to a range of habitats
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This beginner course is a gentle introduction to the identification of a range of common wildflower families. You will be exploring key habitats and encountering many characteristic species. This course will be largely based in the field, giving you plenty of opportunities to find a range of plants and identify them with the guidance of an expert tutor.
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
- Identify some important plant families
- Identify characteristic species
- Continue to progress your ability to use identification keys
- Share this knowledge with friends, family, and fellow volunteers
Who Should Attend? – The course is really for those who know a few flowers but want to take their interest a step further – learning to use identification keys and plant classification.
Knowledge Level – Beginner. Level descriptors can be found on the following web-page: Framework and Course Level Descriptors
Prior Knowledge – Some familiarity with plants and field guides would be helpful. No specific experience is expected, just an interest in learning and exploring.
This level 2 course is next in the series of our Wildflower framework and is a perfect progression from our level 2 Discovering Botany course.
PLEASE NOTE the course fee is for tuition only. There is no accommodation provided with this course.
Bookings will close if course capacity is reached.
Please email [email protected] if you have any questions.
About the Tutor
Ian Powell
Ian Powell is a former ecology tutor with the Field Studies Council at Slapton Ley and on overseas courses to South America. He now teaches undergraduate and masters courses in conservation biology at Edge Hill University and carries out botanical and butterfly surveys and research in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
Example Timetable
Example Timetable
This timetable is subject to change but should give a clear outline of what to expect.
Please arrive in time for the course to start promptly at 10:00 am
The course will end at 5:00 pm
Day 1
10:00am Introductions
10:30am Break and prepare for field session – refreshments not provided
10:45am Field visit to local habitats (dependent on centre)
1:00pm Lunch – not provided
2:00pm Continued field time
4:30pm Return to classroom, summary and final questions
5:00pm End of day 1
Day 2
10:00am Recap of day 1
10:30am Break and prepare for field session – refreshments not provided
10:45am Field visit to limestone pavement and meadow
1:00pm Lunch – not provided
2:00pm Continued field time
4:00pm Return to classroom, summary and final questions
5:00pm End of course
Please note - accommodation, refreshments and an evening meal are not included.
You will walk two to three miles over rough ground during each day. This will be done at a slow ‘botanising’ pace but participants will require a reasonable degree of physical fitness.
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 an FSC course, you will be joining thousands of people who learn with us each year.
Bursaries and Subsidies
Student Discount
This course is eligible for a student discount. If you are a current student, please use discount code BioStudent20 at checkout for 20% off all Biodiversity courses.
The Wild Flower Society Bursary
The Wild Flower Society (WFS) has generously donated a number of bursaries to encourage a wider understanding of wild flower identification among younger people. If you are aged 18 to 30, you may wish to apply. You can find out more here.
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:
- x10 hand lens
- Your own reference book(s)
You may wish to purchase the Field Studies Council Describing Flowers guide to enhance your experience.
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.
Opportunities to attend this course
This course is not currently available to book. Dates will follow soon.
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Progress Your Learning
This is a training course from the Field Studies Council, delivered by expert tutors with an approachable learning style. After attending this course, you may like to progress your learning with 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 learning style that suits you best.
The course gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in a new subject and acquire novel skills. Our online portal gives you time to study at your own pace and fit the lessons around your own schedule.
If you have any questions about our courses please check our Frequently Asked Questions or email [email protected].
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. Click here to find out more!
You can rest assured that the absolute best content from an expert in environmental education will be at your fingertips. In choosing a Field Studies Council course, you will be joining thousands of people who learn with us each year.
