Getting to Know Conifers

Date: -
Location: Tyland Barn, Sandling, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 3BD
Suggested for: Adults | Beginners | Improvers
Price: Normal fee: £37.50 per person per day.
Concessionary fee: Kent Wildlife Trust volunteers, senior citizens, unemployed and students £5 off.
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Pine, spruce, larch, fir, cedar, redwood… a classroom introduction to the identification of conifers using their foliage and cones. Linked to the following Study Day ‘Conifers at Bedgebury Pinetum’

About the event

Most of the day will be spent in the Barn classroom getting to grips with those basic features of cones and foliage that help us distinguish the main genera (such as Pine, Fir, Cedar, Juniper, Cypress and Yew). We shall also consider the features that can be used to differentiate the various species of each of the genera. Simplified keys will be introduced and students will be encouraged to use them on a variety of twigs and cones that will be available for practice.

It is expected that by the end of the session you will:

  • have gained an understanding of what a conifer is and how they are classified
  • be able to use features of cones and foliage for identification purposes.

This course will be linked to a field trip to Bedgebury Pinetum on Sunday 22 November, where we will be consolidating what we have learnt on this day. It is highly recommended that participants join both study days to get the full benefit.

Led by Ros Bennett, Botanist

Suitable for beginners and improvers

  • Accessible toilet

  • Picnic area

  • Toilets

MORE INFORMATION

What to bring:

Notebook and pen/pencil
Hand lens magnification x10 (available on loan or for purchase atc. £9.00)
Your favourite picture field guide to trees such as ‘Collins Tree Guide’ by David More and Owen Johnson
Packed lunch and drinks
Outdoor clothing for exploring the nature park at midday(optional).

This study day is classroom based.  All the public areas at Tyland Barn have wheelchair access.

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