Learn how to identify the most common wildflower species in the UK; an important step in understanding the environment around you and developing your skills. Explore different habitats and uncover the variety of wildflower species specific to certain areas. Learn how to confidently use field guides and identification keys in this beginners botany course.
This beginner course is a gentle introduction to the identification of a range of common wildflower families. The landscape of South Devon hosts a rich and varied flora in a surprisingly diverse range of habitats. We will be exploring the key habitats and encountering many characteristic species. This course will be largely based in the field, giving you plenty of opportunities to find a range of plants and identify them with the guidance of an expert tutor.
What will be covered during this course?
- How to identify ten of the major plant families of the UK
- Using a key to identify a plant family
- How to use identification keys to identify species within the ten families
- Field visits to a range of habitats
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
- Identify some important plant families
- Identify characteristic species
- Continue to progress your ability to use identification keys
- Share this knowledge with friends, family, and fellow volunteers
This level 2 course is next in the series of our Wildflower framework and is a perfect progression from our level 2 Discovering Botany course.
Who Should Attend? – The course is really for those who know a few flowers but want to take their interest a step further – learning to use identification keys and plant classification.
Knowledge Level – Beginner. Level descriptors can be found on the following web-page: Framework and Course Level Descriptors
Prior Knowledge – Some familiarity with plants and field guides would be helpful. No specific experience is expected, just an interest in learning and exploring.
PLEASE NOTE the course fee is for tuition only. There is no accommodation provided with this course.
Bookings will close if course capacity is reached.
Please email [email protected] if you have any questions.
Tutor: Ian Powell
Ian Powell is a former ecology tutor with the FSC at Slapton Ley and on overseas courses to South America. He now teaches undergraduate and masters courses in conservation biology at Edge Hill University and carries out botanical and butterfly surveys and research in the Yorkshire Dales National ParkExample Timetable
Example Timetable
This timetable is subject to change but should give a clear outline of what to expect.
- Please arrive in time for the course to start promptly at 10:00 am
- The course will end at 5:00 pm
Day 1
10:00am Introductions
10:30am Break and prepare for field session – refreshments not provided
10:45am Field visit to woodland and fen habitats
1:00pm Lunch – not provided
2:00pm Continued field time
4:30pm Return to classroom, summary and final questions
5:00pm End of day 1
Day 2
10:00am Recap of day 1
10:30am Break and prepare for field session – refreshments not provided
10:45am Field visit to limestone pavement and meadow
1:00pm Lunch – not provided
2:00pm Continued field time
4:00pm Return to classroom, summary and final questions
5:00pm End of course
What's Included
-
Expert Tuition -
In Course Transport
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 FSC is renowned
You can rest assured that the absolute best content from an expert in environmental education will be provided. In choosing an FSC 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.
Before You Attend
What to Bring:
- Notebook and pencil
- Lunch and refreshments
- Sensible footwear and clothing for being outdoors
- Small bag to carry personal items
If you have them:
- x10 hand lens
- Your own reference book(s)
Recommended publications
You may wish to purchase our Describing Flowers guide to enhance your experience.
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.
