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Autumn Term 2024:
12 September - 05 December (12 weeks)
Half term : Thursday 31 October
Members: £125 Non-members: £153
Concessions: £20 (call the office 020 8340 3343)
Spring term 2025: 16 January - 10 April (12 weeks)
Half term: Thursday 20 February
Summer term 2025: 01 May - 10 July (10 weeks)
Half term: Thursday 29 May
This 12-week course will take place outdoors in Regent’s Park
Who is the course for? This is a course in tree identification suitable for students with no previous experience and also 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 fruit, leaves and bark and overall shape of the trees. Some aspects of tree taxonomy will be explained and scientific names and nomenclature will be used. Student’s will become familiar with tree terminology. You will learn to identify a great number of species accurately.
How is the course taught? The exact location of the first meeting place 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.
Bettina Metcalfe is a dendrologist with a keen interest in observing and identifying trees in ornamental settings in historic parks and gardens. She is a professional teacher and has extensive experience of leading tree study walks. Bettina is an active member of the International Dendrology Society.