This course is delivered as part of the Forgotten Places Project, active in 7 coastal towns and cities around the UK.

Trees are all around us, and they are an integral part of the natural world and our well-being. As part of the Forgotten Places Project, expand your tree knowledge and identification skills and forge a stronger connection with the nature around you.

In this course, you will explore the features of buds and twigs to identify common tree species, even when they are winter-bare. As well as learning the steps for identification and getting out into your local green space, you will learn key terms for describing tree features in winter and discover tips and tricks for becoming familiar with different common broadleaf tree species.

This is a 4-week online course for which you will complete a variety of self-led online study content, activities, assignments and participate in live Zoom sessions. Time commitment is approximately 2-3 hours a week and an E-certificate is provided upon completion.

Knowledge Level

Introductory. Level descriptors can be found on the following webpage: Framework and Course Level Descriptors

Prior Knowledge

No existing knowledge or experience is needed for this course, just a willingness to explore and learn!

Recommended Devices

It is recommended that you access your course through a PC or laptop. Please be aware that there will be reduced functionality if you decide to access the course through a tablet or smartphone. The Field Studies Council is unable to email content directly to you.

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

    • Use buds and twigs to make an accurate identification
    • Recognise, by key characteristics, some of the most common urban broadleaf trees in winter
    • Describe key features of trees in winter
    • Share this knowledge with friends, family, fellow volunteers and colleagues

This is a training course from the Field Studies Council, including online course materials, expert tuition, and a flexible learning style.

Please note that bookings will close on the 6th of January 2023 to allow for all participants to be enrolled to the online learning platform – bookings will not be taken after this time.*

*Bookings will close sooner if course capacity is reached.

Please email [email protected] if you have any questions.

About the Forgotten Places Project

Field Studies Council is able to offer heavily subsidised places on these training courses thanks to the wonderful support of a project led by Trees for Cities to increase tree cover in coastal cities and towns.

This project is funded by Defra in partnership with the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Trees for Cities will work with project partners to deliver community tree-planting and education events designed to revitalise coastal urban areas.

Tutor: Tim Smith

Tim Smith is a botanist, ecologist and science educator. He brings a range of expertise from a background in habitat conservation, ecological consultancy and higher education, where he has investigated and researched plants, taught others about them and educated trainee teachers to inspire other students about the natural world. His knowledge ranges from aquatic non-native plants to trees and shrubs including natives, ornamentals and fruiting species. 

Example Timetable

Timetable

Week 1:
Self-study material available: 11/01/2023
Week 1 Live Webinar: 18/01/2023 at 5:00-5:45pm

Week 2 & 3:
Self-study material available: 18/01/2023
Week 2 & 3 marked assignment due: 01/02/2023

Week 4:
Self-study material available: 01/02/2023
Week 4 Live webinar: 08/02/2023 5:00-5:45pm

Please note - webinars will be recorded and uploaded to the virtual learning platform for learners unable to attend.

Time commitment: This course will require approximately 2-3 hours of your time each week. This includes covering course materials on our Moodle learning platform and the Zoom sessions.

What's Included

The course has been carefully created to help you continue to build and develop your knowledge as the course progresses. With content crafted to the online Moodle Platform and bespoke to the Field Studies Council.

The course includes:

    • 45-minute interactive Zoom workshops to connect with the tutor and other participants.
    • Expert tuition for which the Field Studies Council is renowned.
    • Personalised feedback on a marked assignment.
    • Exercises to work on independently in advance of each Zoom workshop.
    • Tailored course certificate upon completion.

Once registered, you will follow well-illustrated, user friendly ’books’ to pick up knowledge. Quizzes and skill-checks will give you instant feedback on your learning. Forums give students the chance to interact with each other as well as a place to share work.

Bursaries and Subsidies

Forgotten Places Project

Field Studies Council is able to offer subsidised places on these training courses thanks to the wonderful support of a project led by Trees for Cities to increase tree cover in smaller coastal cities and towns.

This project is funded by Defra in partnership with the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Trees for Cities will work with project partners to deliver community tree-planting and education events designed to revitalise coastal urban areas.

Before You Attend

Accessing Your Course

  • Once you sign up you’ll receive an email at least 24 hours in advance of the course opening with details of how to access our easy-to-use platform, Moodle.
  • Moodle can be accessed through a browser or an app.
  • Webinars are via Zoom so you won’t need any new software to attend.

Recommended Devices

It is recommended that you access your course through a PC or laptop. Please be aware that there will be reduced functionality if you decide to access the course through a tablet or smartphone. The Field Studies Council is unable to email content directly to you.

Sorry this course booking is closed