In this beginner’s half-day fern course, you will start your journey to identifying common ferns. Ferns are vibrant, non-flowering plants, which reproduce via spores. With a diverse variety of species in the UK, there is much to explore.

This course will include:

  • Understanding what ferns are and where to find them.
  • Practical experience of identifying some of the most common fern species with an expert tutor.

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Ferns are a common sight on a woodland walk, but have you wondered what species you are seeing? This beginner ferns course is a great place to start for those taking their first steps into the world of ferns.

During this course, you will start by looking at the basics of the biological definition of a fern and their place in the plant kingdom. You will then look at the characteristics of ferns that allow you to identify different species you may find in the field.

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

  • Describe which groups of organisms are classified as ferns and what makes them different from other plants.
  • Describe fern habitats and the environmental conditions they require.
  • Describe the key features required for identification and identify most common fern species.

Who Should Attend? – Nature enthusiasts, students, rangers.

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.

About the Tutor

Henry Miller

I am a botanist working at Kew Gardens on projects relating to the conservation of tropical plants in Uganda as well as producing extinction risk assessments for Ethiopian species. Outside of work I am involved in the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland and the London Natural History Society, I volunteer with these organisations to record and identify a wide range of plants.

Example Timetable

Timings for this course may vary, so please check the start and end times of the different course runs at the bottom of the page.

Please arrive in time for the course to start promptly.

This course will involve both classroom learning and field excursions to cover all of the learning objectives.

What's Included

  • Expert Tuition

The course has been carefully created by expert tutors and educators to help you build 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 a Field Studies Council 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.

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.

Before You Attend

What to Bring

  • Notebook and pencil
  • Sensible footwear and clothing for being outdoors
  • Small bag to carry personal items

If you have them:

  • Your preferred fern guide
  • a x10 hand lens

Recommended Literature

As part of this course, you will receive a copy of the Field Studies Council WildID Guide: Ferns from your tutor to use during your course and to take home.

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 19, July 2025 10:00 - 13:00

    Price
    £35.00
    Tutor
    Henry Miller
  • Sat 26, July 2025 14:00 - 17:00

    Price
    £35.00
    Tutor
    Henry Miller

No current dates for this course? Click here to view all the upcoming Natural History courses.
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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 out 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. 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.