Grass identification and grassland ecology for habitat surveyors

Description

The event is for beginners and no prior knowledge is required although an awareness of the Phase One Habitat Survey and UK Habitat Classification methods is desirable.

Uniquely, delegates will be sent specimens in advance of the course for keying out during the event. Complementary copies of the FSC guide: Grasses: A guide to identification using vegetative characters and hand lenses will be provided.

The course will also cover classifying grasslands using both the Phase 1 and UK Habitat Classification methods.

We will also look at carrying out grassland condition assessments using the Natural England Statutory Biodiversity Metric method.

The event will be delivered by a combination of presentation, identification exercises and quizzes.

Knowledge Level

Beginner

Prior Knowledge

Familiarity with the Phase 1 habitat survey and UK Habitat Classification is desirable but not essential.

Learning Outcomes

• Distinguish grasses from the sedge and rush families.
• Describe the main characters used for grass identification.
• Demonstrate the key vegetative characters used to identify grasses.
• Identify several widespread ‘must know’ grass indicator species from a range of habitats
• Classify a range of grassland habitats using the Phase 1 habitat survey and UK Habitat Classification methods
• Assess the condition of a range of grassland habitats using the Natural England Statutory Biodiversity Metric method.

Tickets