Aquatic Plants (Rivers and Ponds)

Lowland freshwater habitats such as rivers and streams often support very characteristic communities of plants, many of which can be quite challenging to identify.

This course offers the chance to learn how to identify a wide range of riparian plants in the River Wylye (a small chalk river), disused gravel pits and associated wetland habitats including submerged, emergent and bankside communities of plants. Teaching techniques will focus on reliable and easily-memorable characters that can be used for much of the year. There will also be an opportunity to learn how to use a grapnel.

This workshop will be suitable for beginners and improvers alike.

Tutor: Sharon Pilkington

About the tutor:

Sharon Pilkington is a highly regarded professional botanist with more than 20 years’ experience. She has a masters degree in botany, holds two of the highly-respected Natural History Museum Identification Qualifications (IdQs) and is a Chartered Environmentalist and qualified horticulturist.

What to bring

• Rugged footwear (walking/trail boots) or wellies
• Lunch, water and snacks
• Notebook
• A hand lens
• Collecting bags (optional)
• Any ID guide you are happy working with

A handout can be downloaded here, which can either be printed and brought on the day, or used as a reference guide after the course.

Schedule

10.00 Arrival and welcome

10.10 Identification of river plants

13.00 Lunch

13.30 Identification of pond, stream and wetland plants

14.45 Practical exercise

16.00 Departure

The café at the Langford Lakes visitor center should be open which may be an option for lunch, but please bring some food / liquids in case it isn’t open on the day for any unforeseen reason as there is no shop nearby.

Directions

Just off the A36 Salisbury to Warminster road, follow signs for The Langfords. In Steeple Langford turn into Duck Street. Reserve entrance is on the left once you have crossed the river. Toilets are available in the reserve visitor centre.

Nearest postcode: SP3 4PA Grid Ref: SU03823692

Google Maps: click here

If using bus – use the No.265 bus service between Salisbury and Bath. Nearest bus stop is 500m away in Steeple Langford. Visit www.wiltshire.gov.uk/parkingtransportandstreets.

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Please inform us of any medical requirements/conditions we should be aware of prior to the course.

In the unlikely event of extreme weather, the course will be moved to Thursday, 29th August 2024.

Feedback from previous courses

'The pace was good and the relaxed atmosphere was good for learning'

'Based in one place but walked around to see different environments, and using easy key features to ID with'

'I think Sharon is a brilliant teacher, I found her explanation easy to understand and she kept my attention the whole day.'