Course: Grasses - Identifying Common Species

This beginner course will help start your journey into identifying UK grass species. We will delve into the unique botanical characteristics of the grass family and use floristic and vegetative features to identify key common UK species.

Within the grass family, the poaceae, there are roughly 10,000 grass species worldwide, and over 150 UK species. Grasses are incredibly important to humans- both economically and nutritionally.

Grasses can also tell us a lot about the habitats in which they are found. This makes the ability to correctly identify grasses essential for ecologists completing habitat surveys, such as UKHab and NVC. Getting to know grasses also opens up a new and exciting world for enthusiasts who want to expand their botanical knowledge.

This course will include:

• Exploring the botanical features and structures of grass and learning the terminology used to describe them. 
• Learning how to use distinctive characteristics to differentiate between grasses, sedges, and rushes and to identify 10 key UK grass species.
• Practical experience identifying some of the most common grass species with an expert tutor. 

By the end of the course, you will be able to: 

• Recognise and identify key features of grasses that can help with identification.
• Identify 5-10 common species of grass.
• Understand what common grass species can tell us about the habitat in which they are found.

This course is eligible for a student discount. If you are a current student, please use discount code BioStudent20 at checkout for 20% off.