Broadleaf Tree ID for Ecologists and Arboriculturists

Early autumn is an excellent time to observe broad-leaved trees when their fruits and autumnal tints become prominent features of the landscape. Broadleaved trees and shrubs are a major feature of the UK landscape, from upland Birch woodland to the Oak and Ash woodland in the lowlands.

However, our native and non-native trees are coming under direct threat from a number of challenges: climate change, pollution, development of ancient woodland sites, and a number of diseases and pests. Government agencies, forestry companies, conservation charities and other organisations are undertaking widespread planting schemes to counteract this. The challenge ahead is ensuring that this is carried out sustainably, utilising appropriate species and sites – a sound understanding of broad-leaved trees and their identification will be key to this.
Likewise, classification of our native and plantation woodlands using the NVC, UK Hab and Phase 1 survey techniques all require accurate identification of the trees present.

Many broad-leaved species appear similar, and even some seemingly simple groups can be complex to unravel and differentiate (e.g. the two native Oak Quercus). Much of the course will be spent looking at specimens and getting to grips with the key terminology that refers to the shape of leaves and the structure and classification of fruits. You will also practice working with different identification keys in the presence of an expert tutor.

This course will develop and support your abilities in recognising the major genera of broadleaved trees and shrubs, and to be able to separate many species.

Identification will focus on foliage and flowers/fruits for the different groups (characters suited to both mature and juvenile material). Key identification features for genera and species will be taught, using a range of handouts, keys and visual presentations.
By the end of the course you should be able to identify in the field and laboratory a range of the major genera of broadleaved trees, and have had practice looking for appropriate characters to confirm the species.

FISC level 1 and above.

• Distinguish the flowering and vegetative parts of a range of Broadleaved tree taxa and identify a range of common plants to genus/species level using a botanical key.
• Recognise and name the major parts of a tree; with reference to how they can be used in practical botanical identification (naming of parts and botanical glossary).
• Utilise a standard flora (e.g. Stace 2019, Poland 2020), with an understanding of how to use these keys more effectively.
• Understand the need for accurate species identification is essential in identifying and classifying habitats.