Wildflowers: Identifying Woodland Plants

Learners will be introduced to the key features needed for botanical identification, and how to use equipment such as a hand lens. The course will also introduce dichotomous keys and how to use them to identify wildflowers to family and species level. This is a practical and hands on course, perfect for those beginning their journey identifying British woodland plants.

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

• Understand the importance of woodland plants and different types of woodland habitat.
• Identify 5-10 common species of woodland plant.
• Be able to recognise woodland indicator species and describe what they can tell us about their habitat.

Who Should Attend? – This course is for adults 18+ (see FAQs). 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.

Hannah Gibbons

Hannah Gibbons is an ecologist specialising in habitat and botanical surveys, and habitat management advice. She has been providing plant identification training courses for 15 years and when possible focuses on vegetative (non-flowering) identification, as this provides skills all year round. Hannah currently works part-time for the National Trust but has worked for a number of conservation organisations in the South West. She especially enjoys grassland habitats, arable plants and sedges.

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.

Example Timetable

This timetable is to give you a rough idea of what to expect, and will be subject to change to fit the group, weather, location, and tutor.

• 10:00- 10:15- Welcome and introduction
• 10:15-11:30- PowerPoint session looking at types of woodland and ancient woodland indicators
• 11:30-11:45- Tea Break
• 11:45-12:30- PowerPoint/ field session looking at some basic botany and using keys
• 12:30-13:30- Lunch Break (Lunch is not provided, please bring your own)
• 13:30-14:30- Field session working together to look at examples of woodland plant species and how to identify them.
• 14:30-16:30- Time for individuals/ small groups to practice identification skills
• 16:30-17:00- Return to classroom, summary, and final questions

• 
  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.

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

If you have them:

• Your preferred wildflower guide
• A x10 hand lens

Recommended Literature

• Woodland Plants Wild ID Guide
• Ancient Woodland Indicators Wild ID Guide

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.