Introduction to Conifer ID Workshop

Introduction to Conifer ID – Matt Parratt

Date: Saturday 22nd November

Time: 10:00 – 15:30

Location: Silverburn Village Hall, Hopelands Road, Penicuik, EH26 9LH (am); Bush Estate, Penicuik, Midlothian, EH26 0QB (pm)

Description: Conifers are often viewed in a rather negative light – dark, featureless walls that defy identification. In this workshop with conifer expert Matt Parratt you will learn:

- The features of conifers that can help with identification

- How to quickly identify common conifer genera using their foliage

- Where to find conifers and the ones you’re most likely to see in Scotland

The workshop will consist of two parts. The morning session will take place indoors at Silverburn Village Hall introducing the basics of conifer ID. Weather permitting this will be followed by an outdoor session in the afternoon at the nearby Bush Estate to practice your new ID skills.

Workshop Leader: Matt Parratt is a research scientist who has worked with Forest Research since 1994. He has worked on a wide range of projects, from managing large scale trials investigating alternative silvicultural systems to providing specialist scientific and technical support to multiple arboreta in Scotland, Wales and England. He is currently the scientific co-ordinator for the Observatree citizen science program, planning and delivering learning resources and training.

Suitable for: Beginners (ages 16 and over)

What to bring: Please bring suitable outdoor footwear and warm clothing, including waterproofs. Notepad and pen recommended. Please note that Silverburn does not have any shops so bringing lunch and a drink are essential. If you have one, please bring a x10 hand lens and any relevant ID books you like to use (TWIC will have spare hand lens).

Cost: Free! Donations to TWIC welcome. Please note that parking near the site may be limited and subject to fees.

Choose either the free ticket type or the donation ticket type (minimum donation £1). Donations to TWIC will support our work in organising biological recording training workshops and events. If you prefer to donate directly to TWIC, please visit: https://wildlifeinformation.co.uk/support-us/make-a-donation/.

Travel: This event will take place at Silverburn, Midlothian, and at Bush Estate. Silverburn is accessible by bus from Edinburgh, however it is easiest to arrive by car. Travel from Silverburn to the Bush Estate in the afternoon will be by car – ideally attendees’ own car but carpooling with TWIC staff will be possible if necessary.

Please note that there is limited parking at Silverburn Village Hall so on-street parking may be necessary and may be subject to fees.

Booking essential! Places limited to 12.

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TWIC acknowledges financial support from NatureScot.

Cover Photo: Scot's Pine (Pinus sylvestris) by Hockenheim. AnRo0002, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.