Introduction to Ferns

Ferns thrive best in the secluded half-light of damp woodlands. They are particularly common in the west of Britain where they are abundant even along the hedge banks which remain damp for a large part of the year.

This course is an introduction to the basic structure of ferns and their unusual life cycle. The morning will be spent in the classroom at Tyland Barn where the main focus will be on identification, especially those features used to identify the different species. The course will start with a practical indoor introduction after which we will travel (shared transport where possible) to the south side of Maidstone to visit a few field sites, including Quarry Wood.

By the end of the day it is expected that participants:

• will feel confident in identifying most of our common woodland ferns as well as those found on rocks and stones.
• will know the key differences between the major genera and species and be able to apply these to specimens found in the field. These will mostly involve details of leaf shapes and reproductive features.

The emphasis will be on the larger, frondose ferns of woodlands but we shall also consider some of the smaller ferns found on walls and overhanging streams.

Suitable for beginners and improvers.

Led by Ros Bennett, Botanist and Ecologist

For further information, please visit the Study Days page of the Kent Wildlife Trust website.

Photo: Anne Waite)