Coastal Plants of Pembrokeshire Thursday 9 th Monday 13 th May 2013 Course Leader: Dr Paul Ashton

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1 W Coastal Plants of Pembrokeshire Thursday 9 th Monday 13 th May 2013 Course Leader: Dr Paul Ashton (Maritime grassland invaded by Ulex spp. by Clive Hurford) Orielton Field Centre Pembroke Pembrokeshire SA71 5EZ Phone: Fax: enquiries.or@field-studies-council.org The Field Studies Council (FSC) is an environmental education charity committed to helping people explore, understand and be inspired by the natural world. Each year over 100,000 people experience the FSC through visits to our network of 17 Centres

2 Course Overview Britain is an island with an intricate and varied coastline where climate, geology and biology interact to produce a fascinating variety of coastal habitats inhabited by a range of distinct species. This course will enable identification of the plants of coastal habitats and develop an understanding of the plant communities of Britain s wonderful coastline. Close to Orielton are examples of three of the major coastal types (salt marsh, sand dunes and maritime cliffs) which in turn are home to a wide range of vascular plants. These represent some of the best habitats in Britain with a variety of national (SSSI) and international designations (SAC, RAMSAR) testifying to this. Identification of these coastal specialists will be undertaken along with a consideration of the ecological factors influencing this special vegetation. (Orchis morio near Barafundle) No previous knowledge is assumed. Sympathetic and experienced tuition allied to visits to great sites will make the progression to a fuller understanding of coastal vegetation an enjoyable one. I am confident that this will be an informative and enjoyable course visiting some wonderful locations. However if you have any queries prior to arrival at Orielton don t be afraid to ask. Programme The planned schedule includes: Thursday 9 th : Arrive pm. An introduction to the coastal habitats and their influencing factors Friday 10 th : Salt marsh zonation at Angle Bay Saturday 11 th : Sand dune communities at Freshwater West Sunday 12 th : Cliff and coastal grassland at Stackpole National Nature Reserve Monday 13 th : Depart after breakfast (Field excursions may be subject to alteration due to weather conditions or tides) During the day we will be in the field. Evenings will primarily be spent in the classroom for compilation and analysis of our data. However we are likely to enjoy a couple of other short excursions if time and weather allows. Book List and Equipment You will need a plant guide. Stace, C. (2010) New Flora of the British Isles 3 rd ed. (Cambridge University Press) or the pocket version, Field Flora of the British Isles, are comprehensive and thorough, although the technical language and paucity of illustrations make it forbidding to the beginner. As an excellent and less intimidating alternative I recommend Rose and O'Reilly s (2006) The Wild Flower Key (Frederick Warne, London) plus, to cover the grasses and sedges, either Fitter, Fitter & Farrer Grasses: Sedges, Rushes and Ferns of Britain and Northern Europe (Collins) or Rose Grasses, Sedges, Rushes and Ferns of Britain and North Western Europe (Viking. Expensive!). (Erodium cicutarium)

3 A third and perhaps the best alternative for these groups of plants is to use the Grasses Handbook by Cope and Gray alongside the Sedge Handbook 3 rd ed by Jermy et al. both published by the Botanical Society of the British Isles. Coastal communities are well covered in British Plant Communities: Maritime Communities and Vegetation of Open Habitats vol 5 by Rodwell. Also recommended is Poland & Clement (2009) The Vegetative Key to the British Flora. In the field it will be helpful if you have at least one of the floras mentioned above, although don t worry if you haven t as plenty of identification help will be available. A hand lens is very useful for use in the field. Finally, as we will be compiling our species lists with a computer your own laptop may be useful, although the necessary computer facilities are provided. About the tutor Dr Paul Ashton is Reader in Botany and Head of Biology at Edge Hill University and former Associate Tutor with the Open University, with many years experience teaching field courses. He is particularly interested by the evolutionary possibilities that dynamic coastlines present. Course fees Shared room: 340 Sole-occupancy room: 380 Non-resident: 310 (Scilla verna) What is included within the fee? The residential course includes Up to 10 hours of tuition a day, plus relaxing breaks for meals and refreshments Full board accommodation including a cooked breakfast, picnic lunch, home made cakes and an evening meal. Vegetarian and other dietary options are available Tea and coffee making facilities available throughout the day Use of resources including library, workrooms and the Centre grounds Centre organised transport during the course (other than boat trips) and most admission fees Transfer to and from Pembroke train station (if required) Insurance to cover cancellation, personal belongings, personal accident, legal liability and medical emergency/emergency travel arrangements (Non-resident course fees include all of the above except breakfast and accommodation) What to bring Lunchbox and drinks bottle / flask Casual and warm waterproof clothing Stout shoes or boots and wellingtons Sunglasses, sun hat, and sun lotion Small haversack or day bag Binoculars and a camera to enhance your enjoyment Notebook, pencil, hand lens (x 10) at least, penknife & calculator Torch (Bedding and towels provided)

4 Start and finish times Resident visitors are requested to arrive on Thursday 9 th May and report to the office reception for registration between pm. The course begins with an introduction after the evening meal. Breakfast will be at 8.00 am. The course will end after breakfast on Monday 13 th May. Non resident guests will be contacted prior to the course start date to confirm the time of the introductory talk. About the centre Orielton Field Centre is part of the Field Studies Council a pioneering educational charity founded in 1943, which is now one of the most established environmental organisations in Europe. Orielton Field Centre is an elegant Georgian House set in 48 hectares of its own grounds. It is located 3 miles south of Pembroke, West Wales, immediately adjacent to the Pembrokeshire Coast National park with its superb rocky shores, cliffs and beaches. The centre grounds are managed to promote diversity and include woodland, meadow, ponds and streams. Visitors have the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife in the centre grounds, including badgers and several species of bat. Orielton offers specialist courses for schools, universities and adult learners, in both professional and leisure activities. Further details are provided on the FSC website and in Course Information leaflets available from the centre. We welcome enquiries from individuals and groups, and will design courses to meet specific requirements. The centre is available as a base for self-taught groups, and centre staff will help with programme planning and health and safety issues. Facilities indoors include workrooms, library, common rooms and drying room. Most guests are accommodated in small dormitories or twin rooms, although there are a small number of single rooms available. Why choose Orielton? Some of the reasons to visit Orielton Field Centre: An amazing location immediately adjacent to the Pembrokeshire Coast National park with its superb rocky shores, cliffs and beaches. Visiting tutors who are leaders in their field, many have a long association with Orielton through their research or leading courses. A friendly welcome and relaxed atmosphere, with home cooked meals and great service. Our kitchen is able to cater for most dietary requirements (with advance notice). Share experiences with like-minded people on your course and mix with guests on other courses running at the same time. Excellent facilities including workrooms, library and common rooms.

5 Other Centre facilities include: Lounge with open fire when required Tea and coffee making facilities Drying room for wet weather gear (we regret we cannot provide laundry facilities) Shop selling confectionery, soft drinks, postcards, stamps, notebooks, pens, some toiletry items and publications relating to courses. The shop is normally open am. Waterproofs jackets, trousers and Wellington boots can be borrowed from the Centre Payphone Hairdryers Iron & ironing board Lawn with picnic tables Catering In addition to a cooked breakfast and evening meal, materials are provided for guests to make up a packed lunch to their own requirements. Lunch materials are available from am. Breakfast is served at 8.00am and the evening meal at 6.00pm. Guests on restricted or other special diets are requested to return their dietary information sheet to the Centre at least 3 weeks prior to their visit. Health & Safety As health and safety is very important to us the centre operates a 24 hour duty system. In the event of an emergency it is important we know your whereabouts, so if leaving the building to go into the Centre grounds or off-site during free time, guests are asked to sign out and sign in again on their return. We request that aerosol sprays are not used in the main house as these may trigger the fire alarm. Environmental Policy Orielton Field Centre is an Eco-Centre and we are committed to reducing our impact on the environment, improving our environmental performance and raising environmental awareness amongst staff and visitors. Please help us to minimise the impact of the Centre by recycling wherever possible using a lunchbox, considerate use of energy and sustainable use of field sites. To book a course, simply: Check availability and make a provisional booking by telephoning the Centre on To confirm your booking please complete a booking form in the brochure or online form on our website

6 Directions to the Field Centre We are located just 3 miles from Pembroke town. By car: From Pembroke take the B4319 to Angle / Valero / Hundleton. Continue along this road and through the village of Maidenwells, bearing sharply right as you leave the village, signposted Hundleton. After approximately ¾ mile a white sign on the left indicates the entrance to Orielton is 100 yards ahead. Please proceed with caution along the drive to the main house, maximum speed 20 mph, taking care over the speed bumps. After checking in at Reception, please park your car in the Stableyard. By train: The nearest station is Pembroke By coach: The nearest National Express coach stop is at Pembroke Castle By ferry: The nearest ferry terminal is Pembroke Dock If you are travelling by public transport please inform us of your arrival time so we can arrange transport to the Centre. Local information Banks: The nearest banks and cash machines are in Pembroke, 4 miles away Shops: The nearest shop is the Spar in Monkton (3 miles), others in Pembroke Pubs: There are 2 pubs approximately 1 mile from the centre. We do not have a bar on site but you are welcome to bring your own beer, wine, etc.