Identification of Grasses, Sedges and Rushes

This one day beginner to intermediate level training course delivered by Ben Averis will equip delegates with the skills to identify common grasses, sedges and rushes.

The course will take place in the field. Beginning with a brief introduction when the trainer will ask about people’s interests and knowledge in the subject. The training will focus on identifying native grass, sedge, rush and woodrush species (probably about 30 in total) using features such as leaves, ligules, flowers and general structure. The trainer will explain differences between grasses, sedges, rushes and woodrushes in terms of their biology and structure. They will indicate species that are good indicators of different soil/habitat types and habitat condition states. Useful reference sources will also be discussed.

Land managers, local authority ecologists/planners, conservation officers, students, ecological consultants, environmental managers, wardens, rangers and anyone else with an interest in plants.

• Learn to identify 12+ common grass species and 15+ common sedge, rush and woodrush species.
• Learn some key habitat indicator grass/sedge/rush species.
• Have an understanding of factors that influence where different grass/sedge/rush species are found.
• Have an understanding of the main relationships between grasses/sedges/rushes and the National Vegetation Classification.
• Have an understanding of the structure/biology of grasses/sedge/rushes and differences between them, each other, and other classes of plant.