Getting to Know Conifers

Pine, spruce, larch, fir, cedar, redwood.. an introduction to identification in the classroom through foliage and cones. Linked to next day. Most of the day will be spent in the Barn classroom getting to grips with those basic features of cones and foliage that help us distinguish the main genera (such as Pine, Fir, Cedar, Juniper, Cypress and Yew). We shall also consider the features that can be used to differentiate the various species of each of the genera. Simplified keys will be introduced and students will be encouraged to use them on a variety of twigs and cones that will be available for practice. It is expected that by the end of the session you will: • have gained an understanding of what a conifer is and how they are classified • be able to use features of cones and foliage for identification purposes. This course will be linked to a field trip to Bedgebury Pinetum on Sunday 19 November, where we will be consolidating what we have learnt on this day. It is highly recommended that participants join both study days to get the full benefit. Led by Ros Bennett, Botanist Suitable for beginners and improvers P hoto: D Attwood For further information, please visit the Study Days page of the Kent Wildlife Trust website.