Willows for Beginners
About this Event
About This Course
Course Tutor: James Common
Start Date: Tuesday 18 August, 12 pm-2 pm
Course Length: 1 Session
Location: Outside Great Park Community Centre, Roseden Way, NZ 22869 70657, normal.hopes.cloth
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Course cost: £7.50 NHSN Members / £10 Non-Members
Willows (Salix) can seem like a daunting group. Many species look remarkably similar, and their tendency to hybridise often leads botanists to overlook them altogether. Fortunately, in the lowlands of North East England, there are only around ten species and hybrids that you're likely to encounter regularly.
During this session, we'll aim to find and identify as many of these as possible, while learning the key features that separate them. We'll also explore some of the more frequently encountered hybrids. Extra time will be set aside for practising identification skills in pairs or small groups, giving you the opportunity to put what you've learned into practice with support on hand.
If you joined our previous willows session in July, we'll be visiting a different site where we hope to add several new species to the list, making this an ideal follow-up as well as a great standalone introduction.
This session will include:
• An introduction to 7-10 familar willow species and hybrids
• Key identification features of common willows
• Hands-on development of practical botanical skills in the field
In the event of poor weather, every effort will be taken to reschedule.
Accessibility
Most trips are planned to include areas of flat, even walking. However, some visits may involve uneven ground, rough terrain, or steps. Parking is available at or close to all sites.
These field courses are designed to be chatty, friendly, and informal and are suitable for beginners, as well as for botanists looking to visit interesting places as part of a group.
Additional Information
Questions (and identification queries) are welcome at any time by emailing [email protected].
Please read the terms and conditions for NHSN education courses before booking.
Recommended Equipment:
If you have one, please do bring a hand lens. Walking boots and a waterproof jacket are also recommended.
About the tutor:
James works as Senior Naturalist at NHSN. Outside of work, he is a passionate wildlife recorder with a focus on botany and invertebrates. As a botanist, he is a joint BSBI Vice-County Recorder for North Northumberland and an iRecord verifier for South Northumberland.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 7.50 to GBP 10.00
