Tree Identification in Summer

By the end of May it is a great time for looking at broad-leaved trees: most will have finished flowering but their leaves will be fully formed.

The main emphasis of this course will be on tree identification, notably those native to Britain, but we will also pay attention to well-established, introduced species. Part of each day will be spent at the Centre sorting through specimens and getting to grips with the terminology of the different shapes of leaves and the different floral designs of those that are still in flower. As much time as possible will be spent in the field exploring the local woodlands, hedgerows and wet thickets of the varied habitats around Flatford and the immediate vicinity in order to practice identifying as many species as possible.

Ros Bennett

Ros Bennett is a botanist and ecologist. She was formerly a full-time tutor at Flatford Mill and then organiser and leader of courses for Field Studies Council overseas. She has written books on flowers and trees and has taught courses on plant identification to all age groups, and both amateurs and professionals.

Residential accommodation at Flatford Mill is provided within our historic Grade I listed buildings. Rooms are clean, comfortable and functional, but are intentionally simple and should be considered field centre accommodation rather than hotel-standard accommodation. Many guests value the character and heritage of the site, although facilities reflect the age and nature of the buildings.

Whilst most rooms are either en-suite or have a dedicated bathroom, there are some rooms in The Mill that share showers and toilets at the end of the hall. If this is unsuitable for you please make the office staff aware upon booking or as soon as possible.

Please be aware that you are visiting a Field Centre that caters in the main for school parties; the accommodation is basic and dormitory style, but warm and comfortable.

Check-in is between 1600-1800, if you are arriving after 1800 please advise us, so we can ensure you are advised of access codes, room key location, and room location.

You will meet the tutor at dinner, and you will have your first session after dinner.

• 
  Expert Tuition
• 
  Free Wi-Fi
• 
  Full Board Accommodation
• 
  Hot and Cold Drinks
• 
  Picnic Lunch

Full board accommodation and picnic lunch is available for resident bookings only.

Refreshments are included for all, but non-resident bookings are advised to bring a packed lunch with you.

What to bring

• A x10 magnification hand lens (available on loan or for purchase £8.00)
• A notebook, pencils and pens. Stout shoes or boots and appropriate clothing, including something warm and waterproof, just in case. (Waterproofs and wellies are available on loan at the centre). Also a sun hat and sun cream, just in case!
• A lunchbox and salad box and a flask/water bottle. There is no need to bring any tree ID books. There are copies of many tree books available in the Centre Library for loan during your stay. Apart from any you are already accustomed to using, we recommend the following:
• Tree Guide by Johnson and More (Collins)
• British Trees: A photographic guide to every common species by Sterry (Collins)
• A notebook, pencils and pens. Stout shoes or boots and appropriate clothing, including something warm and waterproof, just in case. (Waterproofs and wellies are available on loan at the centre). Also a sun hat and sun cream, just in case!

Ros will introduce her own key to native trees from Tree-spotting (Welbeck)