21 Jan Supporting Professional Development: Advanced Botanical Training – Winter ID
Over the last two months ecologists from across the company have taken part in advanced botanical training aimed at improving winter ID skills. The training is part of a structured long-term plan to upskill all of our ecologists in both botanical survey and associated analytical techniques.
The training comprised four sessions: winter tree and shrub identification, vegetative grass identification, fern identification, and an introduction to bryophytes. Presentations covering the key identification features of these plants was followed by exercises which allowed the attendees to examine a number of plant specimens in detail using hand lenses to find these features for themselves, and to carry out plant identifications using books and keys.
The training was run by Technical Director Dr Tom Flynn, who leads BSG Ecology’s botanical and habitat skills training. Tom has a level 5 Field Identification Skills Certificate (FISC) from the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland (BSBI). As well as leading regular in-house training courses, he also runs an annual FISC assessment day, open to BSG Ecology staff and external candidates.
Feedback from attendees included:
“I thoroughly enjoyed the botanical training day with Tom, it was a great team-based activity to start the year. Tom is very knowledgeable about all aspects of botany and I learnt several hints and tips when it comes to identifying trees, ferns and grasses outside of the botanical season. Tom is very enthusiastic about plants and ecology and this inspired us to engage in the session and collectively gain a lot from the training.” Katie Smith, Senior Ecologist
“Tom talked everyone through key features to assist with identification of winter twigs, ferns, vegetative grasses, and bryophytes; including some specific tips and tricks for more commonly seen or easily confused species. Keying out plants from the comfort of a warm office was a welcome change! The whole team thoroughly enjoyed the day and took home a multitude of new skills, ready to use onsite during their next botanical survey”. Hannah Shone, Senior Ecologist
