Ancient Woodland Indicators

On this one-day introductory course, we will focus on the identification of the woodland indicators, plant species and variety of other features that are all found in ancient woodland. The course will begin with class-based learning, but the majority of the day (weather dependent) will be out in the education centre woodlands where a variety of indicators can be found.

Participants should have a basic knowledge of plants and common plant families. It will also be suitable for beginners who have some prior knowledge and understanding of plants such as ecologists, consultants and other interested parties.

Upon completion of this course, delegates will have gained knowledge of at least 15 ancient woodland indicators (including herbs, grasses, sedges and trees), and will have improved their skills of identification required for woodland surveys or general appreciation of woodlands.

Breakdown of the day (provisional)

Introduction to ancient woodlands

Introduction to those found in Surrey

Providing background information on Headley Heath

Details on ancient woodland indicators, with examples

Practical workshop on a few ancient woodland indicators

Looking at different identification keys

Outside learning in the ancient woodlands

Consolidation of the days learning

Tutor - Isobel Girvan

My name is Isobel Girvan and I have been working as an ecologist for over twenty years now and I still love it. There is always more to see, find out and learn about. I started off by completing my Geographical and Environmental degree at Roehampton Institute, after which I spent just over a year with the Somerset Environmental Records Centre. This began my passion for botanical surveying and identifying.

My current role is of Principal Ecologist at SWT Ecology Services. The work is varied - from advising home owners about planning applications to supplying botanical species lists for local conservation volunteer groups to providing habitat management plans to local authorities.

I am a self-confessed geek, during the summer months I love nothing more than going out with local groups at weekends on botanical field meetings. Not only can I sometimes help to identify plants, but also learn new id points, whilst also picking up on the latest gossip and seeing beautiful places in Surrey and Hampshire. Come the winter months I then swop over to looking at mosses and liverworts, but this is an on-going project as I still regard myself as a novice.

I also have a family to look after, plenty of historical novels to read and box-sets to catch up on. I look forward to meeting you.