Starting on Wednesday 17 October, Sussex Wildlife Trust (SWT) is teaming up with the local branch of the Botanical Society of the British Isles to offer a wide-ranging course on plant identification in Sussex.

From blackberries and teasels in autumn to springtime orchids
and primroses, SWT’s multi-session course introduces beginners to
the wonderful wild flowers of Sussex and their identification.

Sussex still has a rich flora and the county’s great variety of habitats makes it a great place to go out and spot plants. One of the main aims of this course is to give people the confidence to identify plants, both for their own pleasure, but also to help in recording the plant life of Sussex.

Led by Paul Harmes, one of the foremost botanists in Sussex, this course is for absolute beginners as well as those who want to brush up their skills.
As well as some basic botany, the course includes understanding the structure of plants, the use of dichotomous and multi-access keys, and an appreciation of what plants need to survive in their chosen habitats.

Spread over eight months, the course runs from October 2007 until May 2008 using both classroom and field locations. Indoor sessions are on Wednesday evenings (7- 9pm) at Woods Mill near Henfield, while the field trips take place on Saturdays at different locations across the county.

Cost for members: £110. Concessions: £75. Non-members: £130.
Booking is essential please ring Filma Dyer on 01273 497561.