About the event

You will spend the morning learning how to recognise the characteristics of several plant families that occur on chalk downland. You will learn the basics of how to use a plant key to help with wild flower identification. We will also be looking at butterflies and how to identify what we see.

Through observation, discussion and hands-on use of plant and butterfly keys you will practice plant and butterfly identification in the field. The course will cover:

• An overview of the chalk downland habitat
• Introduction to plant and butterfly identification & use of a key
• Butterfly and wildflower identification skills with an emphasis on recognising common family groups that occur on chalk downland.

During the course you will be walking up to 3 miles on uneven terrain including very steep, possibly slippery slopes and bending or kneeling to look at plants.