Taking place in July and August, the one-day courses are aimed at beginners, nature enthusiasts, students, early career ecologists and anyone with a passion for British natural history.
One of the courses immerse participants in the wonderful world of wildflowers, including botany and identification of common and unusual species. The other course explores tree biology and ecology of coniferous and broadleaf trees.
The courses include a mixture of classroom learning at the Eden Project’s state-of-the-art Growing Point nursery and education centre and field excursions around the 230-acre site of the Eden Project to apply the new knowledge in the great outdoors.
Wildflowers: Top Ten Families Identification takes place on Saturday, July 20. It is an engaging introduction to the most frequently encountered British wildflower families, exploring both the more common and unusual species. Time in the classroom will be followed by going out into the field to identify and observe these flowering species in their habitats.
Trees: Summer Identification takes place on Saturday, August 3. Participants will become acquainted with widespread UK species of coniferous and broadleaf trees – and their life cycles, habitats and interconnected ecosystems.
Dr Jo Elworthy, Chief Science Engagement officer at the Eden Project, said: “The Field Studies Council is a longstanding environmental education charity that shares in the Eden Project’s aim to provide opportunities for everyone to learn about and reconnect with the natural world, of which we are intrinsically a part of.
“Teaching these courses at our newly-built Growing Point facility on the site of the Eden Project offers a unique opportunity for participants to learn important skills while being immersed in nature and we hope this will inspire them to progress with their passions, studies and careers.”
Clare Rooney, Biodiversity Programme Manager for the Field Studies Council, which operates its own network of education centres across the UK, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with the Eden Project to use the Growing Point facility as a fantastic new venue for biodiversity courses. With these courses, we hope that participants feel inspired to continue learning about biodiversity and use their newfound knowledge to care for the natural world."
The natural history courses at the Eden Project start from £65 for one day. To find out more, visit www.field-studies-council.org.
