Heathland plants identification: for botanical surveying and habitat classification

Description

Heathlands occur across the British Isles, from sea level to mountainous regions. They vary due to their hydrology and geology, from wet to dry heaths, mires and bogs, and being able to classify them properly relies on accurate identifications of the species they contain.

Being able to quickly recognise key species e.g., some members of the Heather family, will enable you to assess the wetness of the site and designate it as dry/wet heath.

We will concentrate on the key species indicators for Phase 1, UK Hab and NVC classifications for wet and dry heaths as well as some of the members of the bog/mire communities.

Starting with members of the Heather family (including Heathers, Cranberry, Cowberry and Bilberry), we will learn how to identify them correctly and distinguish them from each other. Time will be spent squelching through a wet flush (so bring wellies or stout boots), looking at the gems that are Bog Asphodel, Marsh Violet, Marsh Speedwell and Sundews. We will also look at sedges, Cottongrass and true grasses, all plants that make up part of the heathland. Hopefully a peculiar member of the fern family will also make a showing on the day.

This is a day course aimed at the keen beginner and improver alike, providing an introduction to heathland plant identification.

Who Should Attend?

Local Authority ecologists
Ecological consultants
Conservation officers and staff within SNCOs and NGO’s.
Students
Environmental managers,
Land Managers
Wardens
Rangers

Knowledge Level

Beginner - Intermediate

Prior Knowledge

No existing knowledge, or experience is essential, but attendees will gain the most from this course if they have some prior understanding of the parts of a plants, have used a key (not necessarily botanical) and have some prior knowledge of UK flora.

Field Identification Skills Certificate levels 2 and above

Learning Outcomes

• Recognise and name a wide number of Heathland Plants, including a number of grasses, sedges and rushes.
• Have developed tools for identification of a range of species that occur in heathland habitats.
• Understand the use that can be made of Heathland plant species to help classify habitats used in Phase 1, UK Hab and NVC.

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