Course: Identifying Grasses
Sat, 14/07/2018 - 9:30am - 4:00pm
cocksfoot grass (c) Ellen Winter GWT
Event details
Sat, 14/07/2018 - 9:30am - 4:00pm
Domestication of grasses into grains is the origin of human civilization. Wild grasses are the foundation of grassland habitats worldwide, so if you are interested in developing your botanical skills join our friendly tutor, Dr Kathy Meakin, who will gently guide you through the unique structures and terminology of grasses.
You will have the opportunity to use hand lenses in the field and microscopes indoors to examine the delicate beauty and characteristics of a variety of UK grasses on this fun beginner’s identification course.
Feedback from last year: “Wonderful, knowledgeable, approachable tutor”
Summary
• Location: Greystones nature reserve, Bourton-on-the-Water, GL54 2EN
• Tutor: Dr Kathy Meakin
• Date : Saturday 14th July 2018
• Times: 09:30 – 16.00
• Refreshments included
• Level: Open to All
• Price: £45
Please note: If attendees are not all over 18, please contact Ellen Winter on ellen.winter@gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk prior to booking tickets.
Course expectations
At the end of the course participants can expect to feel confident in identifying some common grasses species, their ecology and:
• At least 5 key species of grass by sight
• Characteristics of the main genera of grasses
• Structure and growth habit of grasses
• Habitat associations
• Recording and sharing your finds
• Use of lenses, microscopes
• Field guides and keys
About the Tutor
Inspired as a child by seeing bullfinches on her grandparent’s birdfeeder, GWT’s Survey and Monitoring Coordinator Dr Kathy Meakin has remained captivated by the natural world ever since. As a specialist in biodiversity assessment Kathy’s PhD was in beetle diversity in the Namib desert before working as an environmental consultant for several years. More recently she has led on providing GWT with the evidence needed to help manage our many nature reserves.
Programme
09.15 : Registration and refreshments at Greystones
09.30 : Welcome and introductions
09.45 : Indoor session: Introduction to Grasses
11.00 : Refreshments (provided)
11.15 : Guided field ID work
12.30 : Lunch on site (note: bring packed lunch.)
13.15 : Field ID in groups
14.30 : Refreshments (provided)
14.45 : Indoor ID – using microscopes
15.30 : Discussion and review of the day
16.00 : Course ends
All timings are approximate. This is an outline programme and may change according to the weather, group requirements or wildlife factors.
What we provide
• All equipment and hand lenses
• Light refreshments
• Course pack
• Relevant guide books
• Certificate of Attendance
What to Bring
Essential:
• Weather appropriate outdoor clothing (we advise clothing to cover arms, legs and feet).
• Appropriate outdoor footwear with good grip.
• A packed lunch and water.
Recommended:
• Notebook and pencil
• Camera
• Field guides and hand lenses if you have any.
Useful Guides
Gardener & Roberts (2010) FSC Fold-out Chart – Grasses Identification Guide
Meeting point/Location
Greystones Discovery Centre, Greystones Lane, Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire GL54 2EN
Parking and Transport
Due to the sensitive nature of the Greystones reserve we are not able to offer visitor car parking on the site. Parking is available 300m away in the pay and display car park.
We will walk onto Greystones Farm reserve directly from the Discovery Centre.
Accessibility and Health
If you have relevant medical or access requirements please let us know when booking.
The Greystones Discovery Centre is fully accessible. Parking for blue badge holders is available at the farm by arrangement. There is a disabled toilet on site.
Field tuition is approximately 3 hours on sometimes rough and wet terrain.
Please contact course organiser Ellen Winter for more details - we are happy to work with you to facilitate attendance wherever possible.
Further Information
http://www.gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk/reserves/greystones-farm
To read our Events Cancellation Policy, please click here.
Brown Paper Tickets Ticket Widget Loading...
Click Here to visit the Brown Paper Tickets event page.
Venue location
Greystones Farm,
Bourton-on-the-Water,
Gloucestershire,
GL54 2EN
Grid reference
SP173209