Building Field ID Skills: Wildflower Families

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.

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

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.

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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 this course, you will be joining thousands of people who learn with us each year.

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.

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.