Identification of Common Plant Species
Wednesday 11 June 2008
Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
Participant Standard: Beginner
Tutor(s): Barbra Harvie AIEEM
This workshop has a classroom introduction to the morphology of flowering plants and the characteristics of the main plant families, followed by field identification of common species. Participants will then return to the classroom to identify some additional species using keys.
Further details about the workshop
This workshop will cover:
- Floral structure and the morphology of flowering plants
- Key characteristics of the main plant families including grasses, rushes and sedges (monocotyledons)
- An introduction to identifying some common ferns, mosses and liverworts (and other non-vascular plants)
- Field identification of common species
- Recognising key species for a range of habitats
- Floras as an aid to identification
- How to use dichotomous keys
- Using keys to identify some additional species
The day will include both classroom based and field sessions.
Attendees should note that the main emphasis of this workshop is on learning how to identify individual species of plants and will only briefly introduce identification in the context of habitats (Phase 1 Survey) or vegetation types (NVC)
Who should attend this workshop?
Environmental consultants and conservation volunteers who want to acquire a good understanding of how to identify plant species.
Anything participants need to know/read before coming on the training event, or need to have with them?
Bring with you:
- Any floras or plant identification books that you already own and/or use
- A hand lens (There will be some lenses and ID books available)
- Suitable shoes and clothing for working out doors (waterproofs etc). We will not be walking over rough terrain but the ground may be wet/muddy..
- You may also wish to bring a packed lunch although snacks and filled rolls can be bought on site
NB Parking permits (£4.00 per day) are required to park on the King’s Buildings Campus. These must be arranged via the training provider at least 10 days in advance of the workshop. There is roadside parking outside the Campus but this can be some distance away.
What will participants learn from the workshop (learning outcomes)?
- How to recognise the different structures that make up a flower
- How to recognise the main plant families (flowering and non-flowering)
- How to recognise the differences between common, but similar species in the field
- How to use a flora or dichotomous key to identify individual species
- How to recognise some key habitat indicator species
Programme:
09.45 Registration, Coffee and Welcome
10.15 Classroom introduction to flower structure, plant identification and floral keys – Illustrated
Lecture
11.15 Studying and comparing a range of specimens to reinforce the lecture information – practical
session
12.00 Identifying some “easy” species on King’s Buildings Campus – local field session
12.45 Break for lunch
13.30 Field identification tips for 50 common plant species at the Hermitage of Braid and collection of
material – intensive field session
15.00 Return to classroom for identification of collected material using floral keys – practical session
16.00 Collect feedback forms, give out CPD certificates, Coffee and close
Exact timings and content may vary depending on weather conditions.
Cost: £60 IEEM members, £120 non-members.