21/07/14 - 24/07/14
Slapton Ley is a National Nature Reserve, consisting of a large body of open fresh water adjacent to the sea, from which it is separated by a long shingle ridge. It is fed by four streams and surrounded by marshes and wet woodland, which also spread up the stream valleys. These habitats are extensive and almost impenetrable and as such provide a haven for wildlife.
This is essentially a course on the identification of the species that grow in three wonderful, watery plant communities - the Swamps, Tall Herb Fens and Willow Carr. We shall not be studying the submerged and floating aquatic plants of open water.
Most of the species we come across, of course, will be tall grasses, sedges and rushes. Much of the time will be devoted to these and other grass-like monocots in particular. But there is also a good range of other tall and attractive herbs, such as yellow flag, bittersweet, hemp agrimony and purple loosestrife. Not all will be in flower so we must consider other means of identification. The tangled thickets of the carr (wet woodland) will give us the opportunity to study a range of different groups (often considered 'difficult') such as willows, ferns, mosses and epiphytic lichens. Time will only permit an introduction to all these groups but this will be sound and it is expected that, after the course, participants will feel much more confident in tackling them on their own.
If there is time, we may conduct a couple of small surveys, as there is nothing like repetitive survey work to reinforce recognition. It is hoped that participants will recognise and enjoy the huge privilege of working in one of Britain's finest national nature reserves. However, in the process of accessing some of these wonderfully secluded sites, you could well become unexpectedly wet and muddy, so please come prepared!
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