Level
SL O 26 -29 May
Centre
Date
Days
Shared
occupancy cost
Thu - Sun
£370 £340 £245
Sole occupancy Non-Residential
cost
cost
Top 20 Flowering Plant Families
Surrounded by the Slapton Ley
National Nature Reserve, Slapton
Ley Field Centre offers a variety of
manmade and natural sites to
study, such as a beautiful coastline
and resort towns.
Course Overview
Wild Britain is enriched with a wealth of attractive, yet in many cases unnoticed, native and
naturalised plants. For those who are new to the study of wild flowers, the seemingly infinite
variety of colours and designs rapidly becomes an overwhelming obstacle. The huge problems
of recognising and naming any from the most insignificant to the most flamboyant may seem
insurmountable.
The novice is barely consoled by the fact that this chaotic plethora amounts to “only” 2,500 or so
different species to sort out in Britain, compared with c. 11,000 throughout Europe or 350,000 in
the world.
The first step in creating order out of seeming chaos is to recognise that flowers can be arranged
into natural groups or families. To be able to recognise family characteristics should be a big
step towards naming a “new” plant. However the fact that we have at least 140 families
represented in Britain (or 173 throughout Europe or 2,000 in the world) offers little
encouragement – the task is still daunting.
But hope returns when we discover that, wherever we are fortunate enough to botanise in
Europe, more than three quarters of the flowers we come across belong to one or other of only
20 of these families – The Top 20! Some of these 20 families contain not only a large variety of
species, but also most of the species that dominate our landscapes. Mastering the
characteristics of these 20 families represents a huge step in the confidence and competence of
the budding field botanist.
Tel: 01548 580466
E-mail: [email protected]
Fax: 01548 580123
This course, which is suitable for beginners as well as those with more experience, aims to
provide a systematic introduction to the Top 20 families and to develop participants’
identification skills.
We shall spend as much time as possible outdoors exploring the wonderful wealth of local
habitats - shingle beaches, cliff-tops, meadows, woodlands and marshes. We will not be
concerned with hunting for rarities, but variety. The pace will seldom be strenuous. However,
participants must be prepared to be out in all weathers and to walk over all sorts of terrain. Wet
weather will not stop play, though we may spend more time working inside. Plenty of help and
guidance will be available. Much of the time we shall work together as a group. Often you will
be encouraged to work in pairs and you will also be given the opportunity to work
independently. You will be encouraged to make use of the low power microscope, not just as an
aid to identification but in order to wonder and enquire at the intricacy of floral design.
About the Tutor
Ros Bennett is a botanist and ecologist. She was formerly a full time tutor at Flatford Mill
(another FSC Field Centre) and then organiser and leader of courses for FSC Overseas. She has
written books on flowers and teaches courses on plant identification to both amateurs and
professionals.
What to Bring
Please bring the following with you if you can (all these are available on loan from the centre)
• A hand lens (x 10 magnification) available on loan or the tutor can supply these at the first
meeting (at £7.00).
• Two pairs of fine pointed forceps (if you have them) and / or two mounted needles.
• A notebook, pencils and pens.
• Lunch box, salad box and flask/drink bottle.
• Wellingtons / waterproofs /day sack - available to borrow from the centre, if necessary.
• Sun hat and sun lotion.
RECOMMENDED BOOKS



New Flora of the British Isles by Stace (CUP ideally 3rd edit)
The Wild Flower Key by Rose and O’Reilley (Collins)
The Wild Flowers of Britain and Northern Europe by Fitter, Fitter and Blamey (Collins)
And/or any other books you may be accustomed to using.
Start and Finish Times
Participants are requested to arrive on Thursday 26th May at Office Reception for registration
between 2:00pm and 5:00pm; after this time self-directed arrival information will be posted on
the front door. There will be an introductory talk with the Head of Centre typically at 5:30pm.
Supper is usually at 6:30pm. Breakfast, for resident participants, will be from 8:00am. The
Tel: 01548 580466
E-mail: [email protected]
Fax: 01548 580123
course will end at 4pm on Sunday 29th May, with departure soon after. On the final day please
vacate your room by 9:00 am, storage is provided for your luggage.
How to Book
You can check availability and make a provisional booking by telephoning the Centre on 01548
580466.
To confirm your booking please complete the form found in the FSC brochure or online at
www.field-studies-council.org.
Tel: 01548 580466
E-mail: [email protected]
Fax: 01548 580123