Introduction to National Vegetation Classification

Day 1 Morning: lectures/group discussion; part-field observation Understanding Scottish habitats,

• Background to NVC
• Keys to identification of woodlands, mires, heaths and grasslands
• Key methods for quadrats

Ecological requirements – habitats

• Survey techniques and interpretation of quadrat data ·
• Different vegetation types and key species ·
• Topography, common species and habitats
• Plant identification and species indicators for vegetation communities

Afternoon: field excursion

• Plant indicators for community classification/identification

Day 2 Workshop and Field Day

• Key methods for data collation, quadrats
• Field - key plants and vegetation communities.

This is likely to include a few of the most common but also most interesting plants and communities in the areas visited. We will focus on major plant characteristics, differences for major plant groups including vascular plants, common rushes and sedges. Incidental observation and awareness for other species e.g. introduced species. Late afternoon – summing up and close

Lectures/group discussion; part-field observation

Understanding Scottish species and habitats,
• Plant characteristics and relationship to vegetation communities
• Quadrat methods and analysis of data, floristic tables
• NVC identification keys and tables,
• Key species and associations
• Data tables and interpretation

This is likely to include a few of the most common vegetation communities but also most interesting species and their habitats in the areas visited. We will focus on common species and plants associated with these communities. Incidental observation and awareness for other species e.g. introduced species.

Students, graduate botanists and interested ecologists.

• Use of keys
• Understanding phase 1 habitats
• Good plant identification skills

• Understand the key characteristics of different types of vegetation communities
• Use manuals and keys to identify vegetation communities
• Identify 5 vegetation communities (not including sub-communities)
• Identify 20 vascular plants and associate species which help distinguish vegetation communities.