Identification of Grasses
Wednesday 18 June 2008
Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
Participant Standard: Beginner - Intermediate
Tutor(s): Barbra Harvie AIEEM
This workshop has a classroom introduction to the morphology of grasses, followed by field identification of common species using flowering specimens, leaf only and grazed/mown examples. Participants will then return to the classroom to identify some additional species using a range of keys.
Further details about the workshop
This workshop will cover:
- The morphology and key characteristics of grasses (Poaceae), rushes (Juncaceae) and sedges (Cyperaceae)
- Field identification of common grass species
- Recognising key species for a range of habitats
- Floral structure of grass species
- Floras as an aid to identification
- How to use dichotomous keys
- Using flower structure and keys to identify some additional grass species
The day will include mainly classroom based sessions and with a short field session.
Attendees should note that the main emphasis of this workshop is on learning how to identify individual species of grass 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 would like to extend their plant identification skills to include grass species. This workshop will be challenging (but not impossible) for individuals with absolutely no plant identification skills.
Anything participants need to know/read before coming on the training event, or need to have with them?
Participants are reminded that they will be working outside for part of the day and are advised to bring suitable clothing (including waterproofs) and footwear.
Hand lenses, dissection kits and a range of identification guides will be available for use during the workshop but you may bring your own if you have them.
Teas/coffees etc will be provided but you are expected to bring your own lunch (filled rolls can be bought on campus)
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 differentiate between grasses, sedges and rushes
- How to identify some common grass species (both in flower and grazed) from a combination of features
- How to recognise the key differences between common, but similar species
- How to recognise the different structures that make up a grass flower
- 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 differentiating between grasses, sedges and rushes, plus
identification of grass species using general characteristics – illustrated lecture
11.15 Identifying common grass species: grazed and ungrazed – local field session on King’s
Buildings Campus
12.15 Identification of key grass species for habitat classification using a range of previously
collected material – practical session
13.00 Break for lunch
13.45 Grass flower structure and floral diversity – illustrated lecture
14.45 Study of individual grass flowers to reinforce information from lecture followed by identification using floral keys - very intensive 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.