Botanical Folklore: Flora and Fungi – Online

This beginner-level course will explore the ancient stories that have shaped cultural perceptions of nature, from the revered oak and mystical yew to the enigmatic fungi that carpet the forest floor. Learn how these tales have influenced our understanding of the natural world and why they remain relevant in modern times, offering insights into sustainability and our enduring connection to nature.

This is a 3-week online course, for which you will complete a variety of self-led online resources and activities. Each topic is then concluded with an interactive Zoom workshop to complement the online content. Time commitment is approximately 2-3 hours a week and an E-certificate is provided upon completion.

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

• Define and explain botanical folklore, including its origins and significance within different cultures, particularly in the UK.
• Identify and recount traditional stories and myths associated with specific UK trees, shrubs, and fungi, understanding their historical and cultural contexts.
• List examples of the modern-day relevance of folklore and how it shapes UK traditions, practices and language.

Who Should Attend? – Nature writers, nature enthusiasts and educators.

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

Prior Knowledge – No prior knowledge is necessary.

Please note – bookings will close 2 working days before the course start date to allow for all participants to be enrolled on the online platform – bookings will not be taken after this time.*
*Bookings will close sooner if course capacity is reached

Live Webinar Information

There are three webinars for this course, taking place at the end of each week. Please see the listing for the day and time.

Please note – webinars will be recorded and uploaded to the virtual learning platform for learners unable to attend.

Understand how our online courses are delivered.

Emma Gunn

Emma Gunn is a foraging tutor at River Cottage and the author of the foraging series Never Mind the Burdocks. She studied and taught Garden Design and has over 25 years of experience in horticulture including 22 years at the Eden Project. Emma’s passion for plants started at a very young age and has never left her – from edible species to medicinal, floral and garden design, no stone is left unturned. Emma enjoys sharing her knowledge, giving people the confidence to understand the natural world better, create better connections with our environment and to forage sustainably.

Week 1: Introduction and Folklore of Trees
Self-study material available from the start date.
Week 1 Live Webinar at the end of week 1

Week 2: Folklore of shrubs and fungi  
Self-study material available after week 1 webinar
Week 2 Live Webinar: at the end of week 2

Week 3: Modern Relevance to folklore
Self-study material will be available after week 2 webinar
Week 3 Live webinar at the end of week 3

The final deadline to complete any outstanding assignments and self-study components is 2 weeks after the final webinar.

Time commitment: This course will require a minimum of 2-3 hours of your time each week, applied flexibly across the 3 weeks. This includes covering course materials on our Moodle learning platform and the Zoom session.

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  Expert Tuition

The course has been carefully created to help you continue to build and develop your knowledge as the course progresses. Content crafted for the online Moodle Platform and bespoke to the Field Studies Council.

The course includes:

• 45-minute interactive weekly Zoom workshops to connect with the tutor and other participants
• Expert tuition for which the Field Studies Council is renowned
• Activities to work on independently in advance of each Zoom workshop
• Tailored course completion certificate

Once registered, you will follow well-illustrated, user-friendly ’books’ to pick up knowledge. Quizzes and skill checks will give you instant feedback on your learning. Forums give students the chance to interact with each other as well as a place to share work.

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.

Accessing Your Course

• Once you sign up you’ll receive an email at least 24 hours in advance of the course opening with details of how to access our easy-to-use platform, Moodle.
• Moodle can be accessed through a browser or an app.
• Webinars are via Zoom so you won’t need any new software to attend

Recommended Devices

You will need access to a PC or laptop to complete this course (ideally with Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint or suitable alternative software), therefore please ensure you have access to a suitable device before purchasing the course.

Please be aware that there will be reduced functionality if you decide to access the course through a tablet or smartphone. The Field Studies Council is unable to email content directly to you.