Introduction to Grasses with Monica O'Donnell

Grasses are among the most important flowering plants, ubiquitous in almost all habitats. Their structure, co-evolved with grazing animals, adapts them well to mowing as well as grazing. There are a limited number of different species (around 20), but at first identifying them can seem daunting. Once you have a few in your mind, it is easier to add others.

We will look at some of these everyday species in detail and examine the structures that are important to distinguish them. The afternoon will be spent in the local area looking at species in the field, how to build on the number of species you can recognise, getting familiar with the commonest species, in a gradual and gentle way.