This 1-day beginner to intermediate course will introduce you to identifying heathland flora.

Heathlands occur across the British Isles, from sea level to mountainous regions. They vary due to their hydrology and geology, from wet to dry heaths, mires and bogs, and being able to classify them properly relies on accurate identifications of the species they contain. Being able to quickly recognise key species e.g., some members of the Heather family, will enable you to assess the wetness of the site and designate it as dry/wet heath.  

This course will include:

  • Identification characters of heathland plants and similar looking species.
  • Distinguish the major groups of heathland plants and recognise the key characters of those you can’t identify.
  • Use of a range of keys and other identification guides.
  • Practical botanical skills outdoors.

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We will concentrate on the key species indicators for Phase 1, UK Hab and NVC classifications for wet and dry heaths as well as some of the members of the bog/mire communities.

Starting with members of the Heather family (including Heathers, Cranberry, Cowberry and Bilberry), we will learn how to identify them correctly and distinguish them from each other. Time will be spent squelching through a wet flush (so bring wellies or stout boots), looking at the gems that are Bog Asphodel, Marsh Violet, Marsh Speedwell and Sundews*.  We will also look at sedges, Cottongrass and true grasses, all plants that make up part of the heathland.  Hopefully a peculiar member of the fern family will also make a showing on the day.

This is a day course aimed at the keen beginner and improver alike, providing an introduction to heathland plant identification.

* not all plants can be guaranteed to be found due to previous weather, changes in habitat etc.

This course relates to FISC (Field Identification Skills Certificate) levels 2+. Click here to see more information about the BSBI FISC and the BSBI Botanical Skills Ladder.

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

  • Introduce and name a wide number of heathland plants, including a number of key grasses, sedges and rushes.
  • Have developed tools for identification of a range of species that occur in heathland habitats.
  • Understand the use that can be made of heathland plant species to help classify habitats used in Phase 1, UK Hab and NVC.

Who should attend? – General interest (amateur/professional), Local Authority ecologists, ecological consultants, conservation officers and staff within SNCOs and NGOs, students, environmental managers, land managers, wardens
and rangers.

Knowledge level – Beginner to intermediate. Level descriptors can be found on the following webpage: Framework and Course Level Descriptors

Prior knowledge – No existing knowledge or experience is essential, but attendees will gain the most from this course if they have some prior understanding of the parts of a plants and associated terminology, have used a key (not necessarily botanical) and have some prior knowledge of UK flora. Field Identification Skills Certificate levels 2 and above.

PLEASE NOTE: There is no accommodation 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

Mark Duffell

Mark Duffell is an experienced botanist with a lifetime’s interest in plants. He currently splits his time between running Arvensis Ecology (conducting botanical surveys and teaching botanical identification to undergraduate and postgraduate University students, consultants and environmental organisations) and working as a Lecturer with MMU on their MSc in ‘Biological Recording and Ecological Monitoring’.

Example Timetable

Provisional timetable:

Arriving at the field site - Stiperstones car park for 10am.

  • Welcome and introduction to the day.
  • Walk around the Stiperstones, seeing different niches occupied by a variety of heathland species.
  • In the field all day, with lunch and breaks at suitable intervals.
  • Finish day back at cars at around 5pm.

Please note: there will be no food or refreshments provided, so please make sure that you bring everything you might need during the day with you.

There are no public toilets on the site, but a short drive away is the Bog Visitors Centre (SY5 0NG, What3Words - stunt.twice.sloping) which is open between 11-16:00.

Dependent on the weather, number of participants etc., we may visit the visitors centre around 3pm for a break and cake, followed by further botanical exploration locally.

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

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.
  • Sensible footwear (walking boots) and clothing for being outdoors (waterproofs and appropriate cold/warm weather clothes).
  • Small bag to carry personal items.
  • Lunch and any refreshments you might need for the day.

If you have them:

  • Your preferred wildflower guide
  • A x10 hand lens

Handouts and id guides (to borrow) will be provided by course tutor.

Recommended Literature

  • The Vegetative Key to the British Flora. 2010. Poland, J. & Clement, E.J.
  • The Wildflower Key. 2006. Rose, F. & O’Reilly, C. 2nd edition.
  • Sedges of the British Isles. 2008. Jermy, A.C.; Simpson, D.A.; Foley, M.J. & Porter, M.S.
  • Collins Wildflower Guide. 2016. Streeter, D. 2nd edition.

Useful Field Studies Council Publications

Opportunities to attend this course

  • Wed 20, August 2025 10:00 - 17:00

    Meet at the Stiperstones 'The Knolls' Car Park. The course is held entirely in the field. There are no public toilets on the site.

    Location
    The Stiperstones National Nature Reserve. Meet at ‘The Knolls’ car park, Shrewsbury SY5 0NL, UK (SO369976 – southeast of Cranberry Rock) – What3Words snares.emailed.jammy.
    Price
    £110.00
    Tutor
    Mark Duffell

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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.