Orchids and Grasses with Leif Bersweden

Join us at Dorset Wildlife Trust for the opportunity to spend 1 or 2 days with botanist Leif Bersweden in the field. We are fortunate to be hosting Leif in running 2 courses back -to-back over a June weekend. Book your space on one or both days. Accommodation available should you wish to make a weekend event.

The Course

Wandering through a grassland, there are two particularly beautiful groups of plants, one flamboyant, the other more subtle - orchids and grasses. The ability to identify these plants in the field opens up a whole world of discovery, transforming any trip outdoors.

This 1 day workshop aims to introduce and inspire you to quickly and confidently identify a range of orchids and grasses across a variety of different grassland types, from traditional meadows and acidic mires to rush-filled pastures and dry, calcareous grassland. It will focus on the common species you are likely to encounter on any walk in the countryside, but as Kingcombe boasts such an impressive list of species we will also touch on a few more unusual things as we encounter them.

Suitable for any level of experience from beginner upwards. Please be aware that there will be some short but steep inclines and uneven ground underfoot.

About the tutor

Leif Bersweden is an experienced botanical tutor with a relaxed approach to teaching plants. He is a writer, botanist and nature communicator with a face-down, bottom-up approach to watching wildlife.

Leif grew up exploring rural Wiltshire where he taught himself how to identify the local flora and has been championing our wild plants and the joy they bring ever since. He is the author of The Orchid Hunter and Where the Wildflowers Grow. Leif graduated from Oxford University where he read Biological Sciences and has completed a PhD at Kew Gardens, with a research focus on orchid genetics.

What to bring

· Notebook/clipboard

. Hand lens

· Footwear appropriate for both wet and dry ground and for walking on unstable surfaces

· Packed lunch

· Water

· Sunblock/sun hat/waterproofs

Having a wildflower identification guide isn’t required to attend this course, but any general flower guide should suffice if you wish to bring one.

Food

We will be eating lunch at the centre each day. You’ll have the opportunity to purchase something from the onsite café (The Kitchen @ Kingcombe) please see their Facebook page for latest seasonal menu or alternatively please bring a packed lunch.

Directions

Meet in the Swallow Barn at the Kingcombe Visitor Centre. Free parking is available in the additional car park at the top of the visitor centre for the duration of the course. Avoid parking in the main car park to allow for visitors to the centre. Accessible parking is available as well as 2 EV charging points. The day will run from 10am to 4pm.

Accommodation

Should you wish to attend both days, we strongly encourage you to book a space to stay in the onsite accommodation, The Cowshed. This beautiful old building has been recently renovated and offers 9 comfortable rooms, available on a first-come-first-served basis. Each room has a private bathroom and use of a large communal kitchen/dining room and lounge. Rooms are charged at £65 per room per night, with all proceeds going to the Dorset Wildlife Trust. Leif will run a bird watching and bat walk around the reserve in the evening and we’ll set a moth trap overnight.

Please email kingcombe@dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk or call 01300 320684 once you’ve purchased your course ticket to book a space, specifying whether you’d like to stay one night or two.

All money raised helps to support the vital conservation work of Dorset Wildlife Trust, protecting wildlife now and for future generations to come.

Dates: 1day workshop on Saturday 13 June.

Times: Arrival from 9.30am. The course will start at 10:00am and finish at 4pm each day.

BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Adults over 18 only please.

Photos: Leif Bersweden

Terms and Conditions for Participants

DWT reserves the right to cancel the course at any time. In the event of DWT cancelling an event, a full refund will be issued.

DWT reserves the right to reschedule events in the event of unfavourable conditions and offer alternative dates or issue a full refund.

Courses will only take place if the minimum number is achieved. If the minimum number is not achieved, an alternative date will be offered, or a full refund will be issued.

Cancelling your booking

Cancellations are accepted at the discretion of Dorset Wildlife Trust and a reasonable cancellation cause should be provided by the participant.

You may request a cancellation up to 14 days before the date of the course or workshop. You may be charged an administration fee.