Course: Ferns: Ecology and Identification - HAU

This 2.5 day intermediate course will introduce you to the world of pteridophytes, including ferns, horsetails, clubmosses, and quillworts.

These ancient plants, which thrived alongside dinosaurs and have adapted to various ecological niches over millions of years, play a crucial role in today’s ecosystems. Unlike flowering plants, pteridophytes reproduce via spores and possess a unique vascular system that distinguishes them within the plant kingdom.

This course includes:

• An introduction to fern ecology and biology.
• Identification of ferns.
• Techniques for field collection and preservation of specimens, as well as introducing recording and surveys.

This course delves deep into the diversity of the UK’s fern species, emphasising their identification, ecological significance, and conservation. Through a blend of theoretical learning and practical fieldwork, learners will become proficient in distinguishing the subtle differences between pteridophyte groups, understanding their complex life cycles, and assessing their ecological roles within natural habitats. The course is designed to not only provide learners with the skills necessary for accurate species identification, but also methods for collecting, documenting, and preserving fern specimens for study and reference.

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• Critically integrate an understanding of the phylogenetic relationships among ferns and their allies with their structural adaptations.
• Assess the ecological roles of pteridophytes in various habitats, identifying their contributions to ecosystem functions and biodiversity.
• Demonstrate proficiency in the identification of ferns and their allies using dichotomous keys and other identification resources, incorporating field observations and laboratory analyses.

Residential and non-residential booking options are available.

This course is eligible for a student discount. If you are a current student, please use the discount code BioStudent20 at checkout for 20% off.

Please refer to the Field Studies Council website for further information and to book.