Trees: Winter Broadleaf Identification

This beginner course will start by looking at the changes deciduous trees undertake in winter and the key features to use in winter identification. You will then look at common species you are likely to encounter and break each down into key features, sharing top tips for winter identification. Some of the more challenging common species to identify are also covered.

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

• Understand the biology of winter broadleaf trees, including why they lose their leaves and how they survive through to spring.
• Identify a range of common broadleaf trees in winter
• Become familiar with the more commonly found species in your area
• Use buds and twigs as well as other key characteristics to make an accurate identification

Who Should Attend? – Nature enthusiasts, students, rangers, early career consultants and 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. Some existing knowledge of trees in the summer would be useful, but not essential.

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.

Morag Boyd

Morag Boyd is a countryside professional with 30 years experience working in a range of countryside and conservation professions. In a varied career, she has worked in a variety of roles including countryside ranger in various locations, lecturer in countryside management for Elmwood College in Fife, conservation shepherd for the Scottish Wildlife Trust and now she combines a contract with Scottish Badgers, recruiting and training volunteers for the national Get Sett Scottish Badger Survey with freelance work training teachers to take learning outdoors for Learning Through Landscapes.  She also runs her own outdoor nature education business, working with schools and community groups to get children outdoors and learning about nature.

Morag has a broad knowledge of many different aspects of ecology and conservation, with particular interests in badgers, of course, trees and woodland management and botany.

Biliana Deneva

Biliana Deneva has a Masters degree in biology and specialises in botany. She is passionate about everything and anything related to plants. She has experience as a secondary school biology teacher. She hopes to encourage her audience to become more involved with, curious about, and caring for all living organisms on our planet.

Diego Sánchez-Ganfornina

Diego Sánchez-Ganfornina is a botanist and educator with interests in bryology and plant ecology, living and working in Edinburgh. With a passion for nature since an early age, Diego’s knowledge and experience has developed in different countries and habitats. He has participated in a variety of research and education projects over the years and is now informing conservation priorities in arid rangelands in Saudi Arabia; researching several Australasian moss taxa, plus developing and delivering educational activities at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. All projects Diego participates in have a common theme: that of having an immediate impact on the climate crisis, be it through conservation, ecological restoration, education or the raising of public awareness.

Calum Urquhart

Calum Urquhart is a field ecologist and wildlife guide with a lifelong interest in natural history spanning plants, bryophytes, birds, mammals, and many invertebrate groups; he delights in sharing these passions with others. He is also particularly interested in the wildlife and ecological restoration of upland and mountainous areas.

Mark Buxton-Kelly

Mark has a long history of working within a natural setting on behalf of conservation and training organisations. He leads walks and talks on folklore, foraging and more, all with connection to the natural world.

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.

Lunch is not included so please bring your own food. Refreshments (tea and coffee) will be provided.

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  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 topic
• Field excursions to apply new knowledge
• Expert tuition for which the Field Studies Council is renowned
• Clear objectives and progression
• Refreshments (tea/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.

What to Bring

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

Recommended Literature

When you book this course, you will receive a discount code for the Field Studies Council recommended guides below.

• Winter Trees: A Photographic Guide to Common Trees and Shrubs

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.