En-suite bedrooms from £60pn. Book your course and then call us to book your accommodation
Find Out MoreIntroduction to Sphagnum
Learn LEVEL | 1 day(s)
Overview
This beginner to intermediate course will provide an introduction to one of the UK’s most important groups of plants – Sphagnum mosses. Sphagnum mosses have played a huge part in the development of peatlands across the UK and continue to fill a important ecological niche in these habitats and others. During this course, you will learn all about these fascinating plants and practice identifying them in the field.
During this course, you will gain a better understanding of this genus of mosses, all under the guidance of an engaging and knowledgeable expert in the field. You will learn about their biology and ecology and have ample time to practice identification in the field using identification keys. You will get the chance to explore different habitats and microhabitats and see that they often support different sets of species. You will also receive tips on identifying more challenging specimens and species within this group, touching briefly on more complex identification techniques for those wishing to push beyond field identification.
Course date: Sunday 20th October 2024 (10am-5pm)
FIND OUT MORE AND BOOK YOUR COURSE PLACE AT THE FIELD STUDIES COUNCIL WEBSITE HERE
Book online on the Field Studies Council website and use LOCAL20 at checkout for your 20% off discount
DETAILED INFO
AIMS
By the end of the course you will be able to:
- Understand how sphagnum mosses differ from other bryophytes
- Understand the role sphagnum mosses play in peatland formation
- Learn which features are useful for identifying sphagnum mosses in the field
- Be able to identify different groups of sphagnum mosses and recognise some common species in the field
PRE-REQUISITES
Knowledge level – Beginner to intermediate. Level descriptors can be found HERE
Prior knowledge – A small amount of pre-existing botanical or bryological knowledge is useful, but no knowledge or experience is needed for this course, just a willingness to explore and learn
IS IT FOR ME?
This course is for nature enthusiasts, students, ecologists, peatland surveyors, and anyone else with an interest!
CONTENT
This course will include:
- An introduction to sphagnum biology
- An introduction to sphagnum ecology
- The importance of sphagnum, past and present
- Sphagnum morphology and identification features
- Using keys to identify sphagnum in the field
Step 1
Book your course place online
Step 2
Call to book accommodation. Prices from £60pn
USEFUL INFORMATION
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
- Classroom learning covering the theory of the topic
- Field excursions to apply new knowledge
- Expert tuition for which the Field Studies Council is renowned
- Clear objectives and progression
Please note there is no accommodation or meal facilities provided with this course. Please contact Glenmore Lodge directly if you would like to book accommodation and meals.
NEED TO KNOW
WHAT WILL I NEED
- Notebook and pencil
- Lunch and refreshments
- Sensible footwear and clothing for being outdoors
- Small bag to carry personal items
- A x10 hand lens
