Why identify trees?
Tree identification will be crucial to you if you are involved with the management of, or surveying and protection of, any site. Trees are at the base of the food chain and so many other species ultimately depend upon them. Many species are reliant on particular species of tree and knowing which trees occur on a site is a guide to what other species may also occur.
Although many species are widespread and relatively common, some are scarce and it is worth being aware of these if any habitat work is being carried out on a site - you wouldn't want Wild Service trees cut down by mistake! Having a good knowledge of trees would avoid such events happening.
The course
This one day course gives you the basics of how to identify trees in summer. As with all Project Fred courses we intend to give you the tools with which to identify the subject, so that you can then identify trees when you are on your own during the summer months.
Learn about
- Identification, both in the classroom and in the field
- Books to use - there are a few tree books available. We give you advice on what to look out for when choosing one, where to get them from and which ones we feel are best
- Tree terminology - some of the technical terms for parts, explained!
Highlights include
- Unique keys, developed by Project Fred, to help you identify trees in summer quickly. Those books that have keys usually include non-native planted trees and this makes those keys fairly cumbersome to use. We have developed a key that covers just the native species and is not complex thus enabling any species to be fairly quickly identified.
- Field work - to develop identification skills and field craft
- Slide show covering habitats and identification characteristics
- Hand outs covering identification hints, books to use and a glossary of terms
Equipment and things to bring
If you have a lens or magnifying glass do bring them. A pair of binoculars used the wrong way round can suffice.
A notebook and pencil are useful, plus any field guides that you may have. We shall bring copies of a range of guides. A comprehensive flower book has a good identification section on trees and we recommended it.
Fitter, R., Fitter, A. and Blamey, M. Wildflowers of Britain & Ireland. Published by A & C Black (2003) ISBN = 0-7136-5944-0
The course will involve some walking, but there will be nothing too strenuous. Strong, comfortable walking boots or shoes are therefore important, as is a good selection of appropriate clothing to the time of year. A small rucksack will also be useful for carrying your equipment. Drinks and snacks can also be bought along.
Cost
£40 per person. Group size minimum 5 and maximum 15 people. Smaller groups can be catered for at a standard cost of £200 per course. Larger groups may also be accommodated. Conservation Groups and Charities may be able to get a discount. Please contact us to discuss.
