This beginner course will provide you with an introduction to British wildflower families, covering a mixture of the more common and some unusual species, with an opportunity to identify these in the field!
The course will include:
- An introduction to British wildflower families, including common and more unusual species
- Field visit to observe these species in their habitat
- How to identify species covered



Read More
This course will enable you to build skills in identifying wildflower families in the field, in the presence of an expert tutor. You will go out into the field and observe the wide variety that can be found.
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
- Display knowledge of British wildflower families
- Identify flowers of 10 British wildflower families and their more common representative species
Who Should Attend? – Nature enthusiasts, students, rangers, early career consultants and ecologists.
Knowledge Level – Beginner. Level descriptors can be found on the following web-page: Framework and Course Level Descriptors
Prior Knowledge – basic knowledge of wildflower families would be beneficial, but not essential.
PLEASE NOTE: There is no accommodation, refreshments, or meal facilities provided with this course. 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. We would recommend when purchasing accommodation and/or travel you should take out your own insurance.
Bookings will close if course capacity is reached.
Please email [email protected] if you have any questions.
About the Tutor
This course is run by two tutors – which one will be hosting you will depend on the location of the course you book.
Pippa Hyde
Pippa Hyde is an experienced recorder, contributing to the London Natural History Society project and The London Flora Atlas. She is Chair of the Bushy Park Wildlife Group and edited The Wild Flower Society’s Magazine for fifteen years until 2016.
Michael Liley
Michael was formerly the Conservation Officer for the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust. He is a botanist and ecologist, covering all habitat types found within the UK. He is an experienced biological surveyor specialising in grasslands.
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 pm10:00am Introductions
10:30am Break and prepare for field session – refreshments not provided
10:45am Field visit
1:00pm Lunch – not provided
2:00pm Continued field time
4:30pm Return to classroom, summary and final questions
5:00pm End of day
Please note - accommodation, refreshments and an evening meal are not included.
Most of the day will be spent outside - walking will be done at a slow ‘botanising’ pace but you will require a reasonable degree of physical fitness.
What's Included
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 this 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
- Your own reference book(s) (if you have them)
Recommended Literature
- Field Studies Council 'Woodland Plants' fold-out guide (£3.75)
- Field Studies Council Grassland plants 2 guide (£3.75)
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
Sat 20, May 2023 10:00 - 17:00
The centre is unable to offer accommodation with this course, please book local accommodation if you require overnight stays and ensure you take out the appropriate insurance.
Sat 03, June 2023 10:00 - 17:00
Sat 10, June 2023 10:00 - 17:00
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.