In early spring, woodland is at its most vibrant with flowers covering the woodland floor and mosses and liverworts still soaking up humid air. In this beginner to early intermediate course, you will explore the bryophyte flora of the woodlands around Aberfoyle, Scotland. You will learn to identify some of the common species in the field and explore their ecological interactions with the woodland ecosystem.
This course will cover:
- Identification of common bryophyte species using key diagnostic features, including the differences between mosses and liverworts.
- The role of bryophytes in woodland ecosystems and the adaptations that allow them to thrive.
- Bryophyte water relations and their reproductive and dispersal strategies.
- The ecological contribution of bryophytes and their importance within woodland ecosystems.
From the start of 2027, when you purchase this course, a free copy of our Woodland Mosses Guide will be posted to you. If you already have a copy, why not share it with family, friends, or colleagues.
Read More
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Identify some common woodland moss and liverwort species.
- Explain how these species have adapted to the woodland environment.
- Explain the contribution of these species to the woodland ecosystem.
- Share this knowledge with friends, family and fellow volunteers.
Who should attend? – This course is for adults 18+ (see FAQs). Nature enthusiasts, students, rangers, early career ecologists.
Knowledge level – Beginner to Early Intermediate. Level descriptors can be found on the following webpage: Framework and Course Level Descriptors
Prior knowledge – No specific experience is required, this course is aimed at beginners and early-intermediate learners.
PLEASE NOTE: There are 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.
About the Tutor
Petra Vergunst
Petra Vergunst is a field ecologist specialised in lichens and bryophytes. To engage people with these species groups and help with identification, she runs the website ‘Scottish Lichens’ and facilitates the similarly-named Facebook group. Petra is passionate about biological recording as a means to monitor the quality of the environment and has done extensive surveys of woodland and forest, the heritage landscape and coastline of NE Scotland. An ecologist by training, she is interested in how land management, nutrient-enrichment and other forms of disturbance influence the presence (and absence), lifecycle and ecology of lichens and bryophytes.
Example Timetable
Timetable
Please arrive in time for the course to start promptly at 10:00am on both days.
Lunch is not included, so please bring your own food and refreshments.
Saturday
- 10:00am – Welcome
- 10:15am – Introduction to bryophyte identification and biology
- 12:30pm – Lunch
- 1:15pm – Field visit with a focus on species identification and biology
- 4:00pm – 5:00pm – Question and answer session, and identification resources
Sunday
- 10:00am – Introduction to bryophyte ecology
- 12:00pm – Lunch
- 1:00pm – Field visit with a focus on the role of bryophytes within the woodland ecosystem (own transport required)
- 4:30pm – 5:00pm – Question and answer session in the field
The course will finish at approximately 5:00pm on both days.
Please note: You will require your own transport for one of the field visits, which will involve a short drive from the Field Centre.
What's Included
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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 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
What to Bring
- Notebook and pencil
- Lunch and refreshments
- x10 handlens (mandatory)
- Camera
- Sensible footwear and clothing for being outdoors
- Small bag to carry personal items
Recommended Literature
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.
Opportunities to attend this course
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Sat 20, March 2027 10:00am - Sun 21, March 2027 5:00pm
Your booking includes a free copy of our Woodland Mosses Guide which will be posted to you from January. Please note: you will require your own transport to visit the field sites during this course. Further information for Dounans Centre can be found here.
No current dates for this course? Click here to view all the upcoming Natural History courses.
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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 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.
