Flowering Plant Identification
Wednesday 21 – Thursday 22 May 2008
Location: Redhill, Surrey
Participant Standard: Beginner - Intermediate
Tutor(s): Heloise Collier MIEEM
The first day will be theory, indoors. The workshop starts by looking at the various types of plant guides available and trying out their identification keys. Participants will study plant structure and the terms used and then, with the help of fresh specimens, study the characteristics of the major plant families and other common genera. The second day will be outdoors. Participants will visit three or four different habitats, see the flowers associated with them and practise identification skills.
NB: Accommodation is not included.
Further information:
This workshop will cover:
Day 1 - Theory and practical work indoors:
- A quick look at plant classification
- Plant structures and the terms used to describe them.
- Various types of plant guides available, trying out their different types of identification key and deciding which is preferred.
- How to use a key
- With the help of the fresh specimens (and some slides), we study the characteristics of the major plant families and other common genera, Features to look for in distinguishing between species, etc.
Day 2 - Outdoors:
We will visit at least three different habitats, see the flowers associated with them and practice identification skills.
Who should attend this workshop?
Anyone – professional or amateur, statutory, NGO or commercial – who needs or wishes to be able to identify wild flowering plants.
Anything participants need to know/read before coming on the training event, or need to have with them?
Bring with you:
- Hand lens (magnifying glass)
- Any relevant identification guides or field books that you have.
The second day will be an outdoors so:
- Wet weather gear or a large umbrella
- Suitable footwear for various habitats and terrain - may be wet and muddy.
The risks during the day should be minimal but include:
- Hayfever, Skin allergies or Stings from fresh plant material
- Rough terrain in the field
- Open water nearby
- Snake bites
- Abuse or personal attack
Overnight Accommodation:
- Enter ‘Redhill hotels’ and a number of lists with suitable overnight accommodation in the Redhill area may be found.
What will participants learn from the workshop (learning outcomes)?
- Basic Plant Classification
- Flowering plant structure
- How to identify the major British flowering plant families
- What to look for in order to distinguish between species
- Which plants prefer certain habitats (calcicoles and calcifuges)
Programme:
Day 1: Holy Trinity Church Hall:
10.00 Coffee / Tea
10.15 Welcome and Introduction
10.30 Plant Classification - General overview; Plant Structure & Botanical Terms
11.15 Coffee / Tea
11.30 ID Guides and Keys; Discussion of various types; How to use them as aids to identification; Personal field ID cards for some groups
12.45 Lunch
13.30 What to Look For: Characteristics of the major plant families and other common genera and Features to look for in distinguishing between species
15.00 Coffee / Tea
15.15 Flowering plant ID (continued)
16.30 Close
Day 2
Time: 09.15 - 16.00
Three different field sites (Details and map to be provided on Wednesday)
Collect feedback forms and give out CPD certificates
Cost: £120 IEEM members, £240 non-members.