Description
Perfect for beginners, join naturalist, Ryan Clark, for a gentle introduction to identifying mosses and liverworts.
Essential Information
Course tutor: Ryan Clark
Course length: 1 session, Saturday 22 March, 10.00 am-2.30 pm
Course structure: Field course
Meeting Point: Field Studies Room, Gosforth Nature Reserve, Salters Lane, Gosforth, NE3 5EP
Parking: Limited parking is available in the layby outside the reserve
Course cost: £25 NHSN Members / £30 Non-Members
About this course
This course will look at how to get started with identifying mosses and liverworts, known collectively as bryophytes. These fascinating plants are often overlooked but have beautiful intricate structures as well as being important species in the environment. An indoor session will introduce you to mosses and liverworts, their fascinating life cycles and how to identify some common species. We will then explore the nature reserve to look at the wide range of species that can be found here. No prior knowledge necessary.
What to Bring
Please dress for the unpredictable British weather, and wear whatever footwear you feel comfortable in. At this time of year, please expect the paths to be muddy. Feel free to bring a notepad and pen if you want to take notes along the way.
Level/accessibility
The route will take us over woodland dirt paths, with slight inclines. The path can be quite narrow and possibly muddy in places. Toilet facilities are available on site.
About the tutor
Ryan is passionate about recording wildlife, especially Britain’s less well-known species. He has a particular interest and passion for bryophytes, insects and flowering plants. Ryan started recording bryophytes as a way to focus his winter walks. When going for a walk, he now spends a lot more time stopping to admire bryophytes and never gets very far from the car!
Please read the terms and conditions for NHSN education courses before booking.