We recently organised a Plant Identification course for Phase 1 Habitat Surveyors in Cardiff Bay. The course was presented by the botanist extraordinaire Mark Duffel. The course aimed to develop identification skills of the common species used in Phase 1 Surveying and was divided into two parts. The theoretical part was held at Acer Ecology’s office in Cardiff Bay. The second part took place at Cardiff Bay Wetlands Reserve.
The course started with Mark explaining to participants the importance of species identification skills for the accurate identification of Phase 1 Habitats and for assessing the ecological value of a site.“You have to know your trees and shrubs very well.”
Then we looked at a range of species that are indicators of a range of habitat types including grassland, woodland and heathlands. The knowledge was gained by working in teams keying out a range of different species with Mark on hand to add some of the key identification tips which he has built up over several years experience including some tips which can’t be found in identification books. An example was the dogwood leaf which can be carefully broken apart horizontally with the leaf remaining intact due to the presence of latex glue within the veins which solidifies upon contact with air allowing the leaf to stay together and appear to defy gravity.
We also covered the dominant species (such as the commoner grasses, sedges and rushes; flowering plants and trees). Numerous samples were distributed to participants for them to identify so that the key identification would be remembered.
After the completion of the theoretical part of the course it was time for us to go outside. We headed off to Cardiff Bay Wetlands Reserve. The excitement was high as our participants would have the opportunity to get involved in some field work. During the fieldwork we surveyed a range of habitat types including calcareous and neutral grasslands, scrub and wetland habitats. We were lucky enough to discover a wide variety of species including quaking grass, a species with loosely hung, heart-shaped spikelets which appeared to be dancing in appreciation of our presence. However, the scarcest find of the day was a four leaf clover! Hopefully, this will bring good luck to all the participants of the course.
After our outdoor session we returned back to the office to identify some more samples and wrap up what we had learned.
Overall, the course was a success as our participants got the chance to expose themselves to a good mix of different species, gain practice in the use of identification keys and see a number of habitat types during the fieldwork session. It was a very interesting and informative day and everyone enjoyed the course. We would like to thank Mark for leading such an enjoyable course but also everyone who took part in the course.
Throughout the year Acer Ecology will be running a wide range of one day training courses for all ecology enthusiasts, from Phase 1 Habitat Survey, Beginners Grass Identification to Vegetative Plant Identification. For more information contact us on enquiries@acerecology.co.uk or call us on 029 2065 0331.
