Summer term 2023: 27 April 2023 – 13 July (10 weeks)
No class on 11 May. Half term Thursday 1 June 2023.
Members: £88. Non-members: £113 Autumn term
Concessions: £10 (call the office 020 8340 3343)
This course takes place outdoors in Regent’s Park.
Who is the course for?
This is a course in tree identification for those interested in improving their knowledge of trees. It is for people who want to develop their ability to observe, describe and identify trees. There will be some uneven terrain, but most walking is on paths and grass.
What will you learn?
We will be looking mainly at broad-leaved trees and some conifers, concentrating on leaves, fruit and buds and bark. Some aspects of tree taxonomy will be explained, including the concepts of genus, species, cultivar and hybrid. Regent’s Park is very large and is particularly rich in species. It has an outstanding collection of native and introduced trees. We will be visiting a different area of the park each week. You will learn to identify a great number of species accurately.
How is the course taught?
Each session will take place in Regent’s Park. We will meet on site. The exact location will be announced prior to the start of the course. Teaching will be interactive with high student participation. Students will be encouraged to share their observations, make comments, ask questions and engage in discussions. You will develop skills, such as practical precise observation, comparison and the use of a methodology.
Students will be asked to consolidate what they have learned between the weekly sessions.
What to bring
Please bring a hand lens of magnification x10 and a notebook and pencil.
If you have a tree identification book, please bring it to the sessions. If you are thinking of acquiring one, Collins Tree Guide by Owen Johnson is recommended.