Acorn Ecology Ltd

Do you want to get to grips with plant ID, but feel daunted by the seemingly endless number of species in the field guides making you unsure where to start? If so, then our 'Beginner's Botany' course has been designed especially for you!

This 2-day course aims to provide you with a basic knowledge of how to identify wild flowers using keys and field guides. During the course you will also become familiar with some of the most common flowering plants that you are likely to encounter in different habitats. Please note, you can now attend this course in either Exeter of Hampshire and the classroom based part of the course will be the same at both venues.

The course will cover the following topics:

• Plant structure and features commonly used for ID
• Plant families and clues to their ID
• Using keys and field guides
• Site visits to different habitat types
• - Exeter Course - Woodland, Neutral Grassland and Heathland
• - Hampshire Course - Calcareous Grassland, Riparian and a tree workshop

The tips you will learn from our experienced tutors will help you gain confidence in identifying plants yourself, at your own pace. Recent students have commented:

"Sue [one of the tutors] has a great knack of empowering the field botanist in you."

"The relaxed and friendly atmosphere made it easy to learn stuff without getting too bogged down."

Other details:

Where:

• The Exeter course will be based at our training centre at The Granary, Westpoint, Sidmouth Road, Clyst St Mary, Exeter, EX5 1DJ. In case you need to stay overnight, we have provided a list of local accommodation.
• The Hampshire course will be based at Shawford Parish Hall, Pearson Lane, Compton, Winchester, SO21 2AA. Shawford Train Station is within 1 minute walk of the hall.

Date:

• Beginner's Botany - Exeter: Monday 11th-Tuesday 12th June 2012
• Beginner's Botany - Hampshire: Thursday 21st - Friday 22nd June 2012

We will arrange additional dates according to demand. If you are unable to attend these date and would like to be informed about upcoming dates, please e-mail us at info@acornecology.co.uk

Timings: On the first day the course will start at 10:30 am and will finish at 5:00pm. In the evening we will meet for a meal and plant quiz. On the second day the course will commence at 9:30am and finish at around 4:00-4:30pm.

Price: The price of the course varies according to your situation: £200 (standard fee); £160 for unemployed/full time students/full time volunteers; and £260 if your organisation is paying. This fee covers tuition only. Prices are inclusive of VAT.

How to book: You can book on-line by clicking the 'Buy Now' button below and selecting the appropriate rate. Alternatively you can complete the attached form and send a cheque or request an invoice

Once you have booked, we will e-mail you to confirm that your booking has been received.