Midsummer Grass Identification

Midsummer grass and sedge identification - Old Sarum, Salisbury

Please note in 2027 SRT are running Grass Identification courses on 28th April, 29th April, 28th June, 3rd September and 4th November. A one-day course giving participants confidence in identifying key grasses of neutral and unimproved calcareous grassland using both vegetative and flowering features an overview of using grass indicator species for habitat assessment a chance to learn memorable features allowing easy grass identification Nearly every species of grass, rush and sedge has at least one key feature which can be used to pinpoint them to genus and species level. This course aims to teach people to spot and memorise these characters for the majority of common species and some of the more specialised species found on unimproved grasslands. This course will focus on how to identify grasses in midsummer, when most are in flower; but the ID skills taught will still focus on vegatative characteristics that can be used throughout the year. The course will cover roughly 25 species of grass, including most of the commonly encountered species, as well as those associated with species-rich grassland. Lifts available from Salisbury station on request - see Directions section below. All proceeds from the course will go to supporting our endangered species conservation work.

About the tutor Dominic Price is a highly regarded botanical tutor and has been running courses for all levels of ecologists since 2007. He is director of The Species Recovery Trust and specialises in the conservation of endangered species. He is the author of A Field Guide to Grasses, Sedges and Rushes, and co-author of A Field Guide to Bryophytes and The Photographic Guide to Winter Trees and Shrubs.

What to bring Notebook/clipboard Water, lunch and snacks, firm boots (steep banks for some of the day) and outdoor clothing (see below) Hand lens (there will be some to purchase on the day) £4 for parking at Old Sarum - contactless payment usually available or £4.20 via the Ringo app (download in advance). Parking is free for English Heritage members displaying a valid car sticker. The recommended text for the course is 'A Field Guide to Grasses, Sedges and Rushes' by Dominic Price, available to purchase on the day, through the 'Add-on' ticket options on Eventbrite, or in advance here.

Directions Old Sarum is signed off the A345, 2 miles north of Salisbury. Meet in the main car park (where there are loos). Address: Castle Road, Salisbury, Wiltshire - SP1 3SD. There is a £3 charge for parking (contactless payment available).Google maps - click here what3words: harsh.parading.flattered To reduce our carbon footprint and reduce the car park spaces we use at training sites, if you can travel by train to Salisbury Train Station, or if you are staying in central Salisbury overnight, we are happy to provide you with a lift to and from the training site. Please message us before you buy your ticket/accommodation to…