By 
Kent County Council’s Old Chalk New Downs project is running a beginner’s botany course aimed at ecology / nature conservation / environmental science students. It will focus on the identification of UK wildflowers and chalk grassland.
Plant Identification for Beginners
10th June 2022 – Virtual (Zoom) course (10.00 – 13.00)
An introduction to Plant Identification for beginners who want to know how to start identifying flowering plants.
Participants will learn about the useful features of plants that can enable them to decide which family a plant belongs to and gain confidence in how to start to identify plants to the species level.
The tutor will also guide participants to useful plant identification books and other resources.
17th June 2022 Blue Bell Hill reserve (choose either AM: 9.30-12.30 or PM: 13.30-16.30)
Participants will have the opportunity to practice plant identification in the field, concentrating on species found in chalk grassland habitats.
The use of basic keys to help identification will also be introduced.
24th June 2022 – Blue Bell Hill reserve. Condition assessment survey and identification practice (10:00 – 13:00)
Participants will have the opportunity to practice their identification in the field and learn how to carry out chalk grassland condition assessment.
Participants will carry out condition assessments in small groups, supported by the OCND team members and beginners’ botany trainer.
To book a space email lyndsay.wayman-rook@kent.gov.uk with your name, contact information (phone number) and workshop time preference.