Alien Flora: Identification of Invasive Non-Native Plants

This course introduces the issues surrounding non-native invasive species, highlighting the impact they can have on native ecosystems. It focuses on how to accurately identify these species and distinguish them from less problematic species.

Through a series of discussions, lectures and identification of specimens we will explore some of these issues and consider whether all species warrant the same treatment. By the end of the course participants should be able to make an appraisal of what constitutes an invasive plant, be able to accurately identify it and assess its impact on the environment.

An attempt will be made to show as many individual Schedule 9 non-native invasive species as possible, with the exception of the numerous Cotoneaster species. Use will be made of living material, herbarium material and photographs.

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

• Identify a range of non-native vascular plants and distinguish them from native, non-invasive species.
• Understand the history of invasive plant colonisation in the British Isles and how these species have spread.
• Evaluate the invasiveness of various non-native vascular plants and assess suitable methods for their control.

Note: Whilst this course will cover some of the methods of eradicating individual species, expert advice on the use of eradication treatments should always be sought.

Who Should Attend? – This course is for adults 18+ (see FAQs). Amateur and professional botanists/naturalists/ecologists, Local Authority ecologists, ecological consultants, conservation officers and staff within SNCOs and NGOs, students, environmental managers, land managers, wardens and rangers.

Knowledge Level – Beginner – intermediate. Level descriptors can be found on the following webpage: Framework and Course Level Descriptors

Prior Knowledge – No existing knowledge or experience is essential, but attendees will gain the most from this course if they have some prior understanding of the parts of a plants and associated terminology, have used a key (not necessarily botanical) and have some prior knowledge of UK flora. Field Identification Skills Certificate levels 2 and above.

PLEASE NOTE: 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. Please see the ‘What’s Included’ section for information on accommodation and meals options.

Bookings will close if course capacity is reached.

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

Mark Duffell

Mark Duffell is an experienced botanist with a lifetime’s interest in plants. He currently splits his time between running Arvensis Ecology (conducting botanical surveys and teaching botanical identification to undergraduate and postgraduate University students, consultants and environmental organisations) and has worked as a Lecturer with MMU on their MSc in ‘Biological Recording and Ecological Monitoring’.

This timetable is subject to change, but it should give a clear outline of what to expect.

• Please arrive in time for the course to start promptly at 10:00
• The course will end at 17:00

Morning: Presentation and workshop on native/non-native status; the problems associated with non-natives. Practical identification workshop using a range of keys.

Afternoon: Looking at further INNS specimens and superficially similar species.

Lunch break and breaks as required – lunch and accommodation are not included. Refreshments (tea and coffee) will be provided.

• 
  Expert Tuition

The course includes:

• Classroom learning covering the theory of the species
• Expert tuition for which the Field Studies Council is renowned
• Clear objectives and progression
• Refreshments (tea and coffee)

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.

Accommodation and meal options

We would recommend when purchasing accommodation and/or travel you should take out your own insurance.

For some course runs at Field Studies Council Centres, there may be the option to book accommodation with your course. Please email [email protected] to enquire about availability.

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.

Natural History Bursaries

There are a number of natural history bursaries available to help with the cost of your course. To find out if you and your chosen course are eligible, find out more here.

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.

Please Bring:

• Notebook and pencil
• Your preferred botanical identification books and guides
• Your refreshments and lunch
• Sensible footwear and clothing for being outdoors

If you have them:

• Hand lens  - (x10 or x20 magnification)
• Dissecting kit (scalpel and forceps)

Recommended Literature

• Booy, Wade and Roy. 2015. Field Guide to Invasive Plants and Animals in Britain. Bloomsbury.
• Poland & Clement. 2010. The Vegetative Key to the British Flora
• Stace. 2019. New Flora of the British Isles by Stace (4th ed.)
• Streeter. 2016. Collins Wild Flower Guide

Useful Field Studies Council Publications

• • Non-native invasive plants guide – Field Studies Council