Location
Preston Montford
Duration
1 day
Date
Wed 13, May 2020 10:00 - 16:00
Level
Intermediate
Tutor
Mark Duffell
Price
£50.00
Course details

Dates are being revised due to Covid-19

A course visiting a fantastic woodland site, with a rich and diverse ground flora full of ancient woodland indicator species (AWIs). Previous courses have seen over 20 AWIs (including Town Hall Clock and Herb Paris) as well as many other interesting plants. Identifications will be made in comparison with similar or related species and emphasis will be placed on the key characters that are required to distinguish these species. How to assess Ancient Woodland status will be discussed during the day, along with the ecology and historical uses of many of these plants. As the site is generally level the only requirements for this course are an enthusiasm for plants and moderate walking ability.

Tutor: Mark Duffell

Mark Duffell has had a lifetime interest in plants, gaining the RHS Diploma in Horticulture and completing an MSc in Biological Recording. He now runs Arvensis Ecology, splitting his time between conducting botanical surveys and teaching botanical identification and survey techniques to undergraduate and postgraduate students, consultancies and environmental organisations.
Beechfield Dingle in spring with Ramsons (Allium ursinum)

Example Timetable
  • Meet in car park for 10am start.
  • Walking and stopping along route for the rest of the day.
  • Lunch break and breaks as required.
  • Return to car park for around 16.00pm.
  • Please bring your own packed lunch for the day.

What's Included
  • Expert Tuition
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Hot and Cold Drinks
  • In Course Transport

Before You Attend

What to Bring

  • x10 and/or x20 hand lens*.
  • A packed lunch and drink.
  • Walking boots and waterproofs.
  • Bring along any specimens you would like help with identifying.

Recommended Reading

    • The Vegetative Key to the British Flora. 2010. Poland, J. & Clement, E.J.
    • Woodland Plant identification chart. 1998. Gulliver, Gulliver and Roberts.*
    • The Wildflower Key. 2006. Rose, F. & O’Reilly, C. 2nd edition. (Earlier editions are fine).

*Copies of these books and handlens may be available to purchase on the day, provided you pre-order by contacting Preston Montford Field Centre beforehand.

Sorry this course has ended