Discovering Veteran Trees of Greenwich Park 

This course will cover survey methods for both amateur interest and the specialist, as well as veteran trees as a habitat and their historical context in Greenwich Park.
Veteran tree distribution will be looked at. The Specialist Survey Method and the Ancient Tree Hunt Recording Method will be covered. Ancient trees as habitat will be considered, illustrated using certain species / species groups.

The historical context and management of Greenwich Park will also be reviewed.

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

• Understand and recognise the value of ancient / veteran trees.
• Use the available survey methods to provide data at different levels of complexity.
• Look at Greenwich Park trees in their historical context.

Who Should Attend? – Nature enthusiasts, students, rangers, early career ecologists.

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

Prior Knowledge – No existing knowledge, or experience is needed for this course, just a willingness to explore and learn.

PLEASE NOTE: There is no accommodation or meal facilities provided with this course. Refreshments (tea and coffee) will be available. 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.

Sharon Brown

Sharon Brown is a botanist – geographer currently working as an independent ecologist with habitat assessment and management as a main area of expertise. Over time she has also worked for the Nature Conservancy Council, Scottish Rangering, Wildlife Trusts and latterly as an associate tutor for the Field Studies Council. As a naturalist she has a fascination for wild places, as well as the wild in more urban settings and an enthusiasm for passing this to others through practical application.

Example Timetable

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

• Please arrive at 9:15am in time for the course to start promptly at 09:30am
• The course will end at 4:30pm

 Morning:  

• Veteran tree survey methods and practice.
• Veteran tree habitat.
  

Afternoon:  

• Wider field visit (mile or so walk with some steeper slopes).
• Historical context of Greenwich Park’s trees.

Please note: accommodation and lunch are not included. Refreshments (tea and coffee) will be provided.

• 
  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
• 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.

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, read 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.

What to Bring:

• Notebook and pencil
• Lunch and refreshments
• Sensible footwear and clothing for being outdoors