Field Identification Skills Certificate

There are three separate elements to a FISC, testing your identifications of vascular plants (so no bryophytes or algae). There are two lab tests, the first of which is ten fresh specimens that should be identified without using any books or keys. Then there are twenty fresh specimens that may be identified using any books or keys, but no reference collections or on-line resources may be used.

The third test is in the field – after lunch you will spend approximately two hours surveying a small site and recording the vascular plant species. What you have identified is then compared against a known list of plants to work out what skill level you have.

Because there is no failing, you don’t have to be brilliant to take a FISC. The outcome will be an electronic certificate from the BSBI showing your level of skill (see where you are currently on the skills pyramid), with advice about what sort of activity you are competent to undertake and what further studies you need if you wish to progress up the skills ladder.

For courses taking place at Preston Montford, transport to the field sites is included with the cost.

More details on FISCs are available on the BSBI FISC webpage, including the FISC Booklet which answers in detail many of the questions you may have on FISCs.

Accommodation: participants may wish to book accommodation (and meals) additional to the course fee.

• A hand lens
•  ID guides e.g. Stace: New Flora of the British Isles, and a picture guide such as Collins Wildflower Guide .
•  Outdoor clothes (allowing for all weathers), waterproofs, sturdy shoes.
• Weatherwriter/Clipboard, pens.
• Please bring a watch as no phones are allowed during the FISC
•  Packed lunch and drink for field test.

We can provide a limited number of hand lenses, clipboards, some floras and other texts etc. if you forget your own.

Accommodation: participants may wish to book accommodation (and meals) additional to the course fee.

10:00 – 10:30 Arrival and Drinks
10:30 – 10:45 Introduction to the day
10:45 – 12:30 Lab tests
12:30 – 13:00  Lunch
13:15  Depart for field visit
14:00-16:00 Field test
16:15 Return to Centre
17:00 – 17:30 Summary of the day and depart

• 
  Free Wi-Fi
• 
  Hot and Cold Drinks
• 
  In Course Transport