Autumn 2026: Tree ID

Members:   £125
Non-members:  £155
Concessions: £30 (call the office 020 8340 3343)

This 10-week course takes place outdoors on Hampstead Heath. We will be predominantly studying trees and in addition some ferns. Each time, a different area of the Heath will be explored, including Golders Hill Park, The Hill Garden and Kenwood Estate. This is a course in plant 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 and ferns. Golders Hill has a particularly good collection of ferns and we will also be looking at the ferns that we come across in other areas of Hampstead Heath. Aspects of taxonomy will be explained and scientific names and nomenclature will be used. Students will become familiar with tree and fern terminology. You will learn to identify a good number of species. There will be some uneven terrain, but most walking is on paths and grass.

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.