A 1-day course giving participants;
This course will introduce participants to roughly 40 of the most familiar (and some rather unfamiliar) woodland flowers, grasses, bryophytes, shrubs and trees in the stunning RSPB reserve at Garston Woods, near Blandford Forum, Dorset. The day will cover recognising ancient woodland indicator species, a brief look at different management regimes and their effects on woodland ecology, and survey techniques for Phase I and NVC.
At the end of the day participants will have the chance to carry out a mock survey in groups to test their skills.
Tutor: Dominic Price
Dominic Price is a highly regarded botanical tutor and has been running courses for all levels of ecologists since 2007. He is director of The Species Recovery Trust and specialises in the conservation of endangered species. He is the author of A Field Guide to Grasses, Sedges and Rushes and co-author of The Photographic Guide to Winter Trees and Shrubs.
A copy of the handout can be found on our training resources page here. Please do have a browse of the species list before the day if you are new to this all, as it help your memory on the day!
We apologise that there are no loos at the site, but plenty of trees! Any problems on the day please call Dominic Price on (07968) 786390.
Please inform us of any relevant medical requirements/conditions we should be aware of prior to the course.
Lifts available from Salisbury station on request
10.00 Welcome and start
10.10 Woodland plant ID and comparison of management regimes
12.30 Lunch (shorter if weather bad)
1.15 Revision of plants learnt in the morning
2.40 Woodland survey techniques
3.00 Participants to carry out survey
4.00 Departure (or earlier if weather foul!)
The Reserve is just north of the village of Sixpenny Handley, which lies north of the A354 Salisbury to Blandford road. Please park as tightly in the carpark as possible, if it is full you can pull in on the left just north of the entrance.
If using Satnav SP5 5PB will get you to just south of the woods, follow up to the northern end to the marked RSPB car park
Google maps - click here
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