An Introduction to Conifer Identification

The Botanical Skills Northern Ireland Project will be facilitating a training event with Charles Shier on the identification of various conifers at Castlewellan Forest Park from 10:00am to 16:30pm on Tuesday 11th November 2025 (we may finish earlier depending on weather).

While conifer identification is not inherently complicated, it does require focused observation of key features such as needle shape and arrangement. Therefore this workshop is recommended for people with some botanical experience, and an interest and enthusiasm to learn more about this specific group of trees.

This training session will be a combination of indoor and outdoor activities. We will spend most of the afternoon outdoors looking at coniferous trees. In the event of very poor weather, material will be pre-collected for indoor identification instead.

Tea, coffee and biscuits will be available throughout the morning.

Please bring your own packed lunch.

Please ensure you:

• Wear sturdy walking shoes or boots, as we may walk across mixed terrain which could at times be rough and uneven underfoot.
• Have weatherproof clothing with you, to ensure you stay comfortable and protected from the elements.
• Bring along drinking water and a packed lunch.

We look forward to seeing you on the day!

Event leader: Kim Lake, kim.lake@bsbi.org, +44 (0) 7448 345167, +353 (0) 87 0516718

More details about the venue

Please meet at Bothy Yard, Castlewellan Forest Park, Castlewellan, Co. Down BT31 9BP.

Grid Ref: SB 4285 9285

Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/xSsrR7v4bwzsMRYCA

What3Words: ///skewed.supposing.singles

Read more about Castlewellan Forest Park here.

Facilities available:

• Toilets
• Car parking
• Cafe/Food and drink available nearby

Accessibility:

• Hearing loop not available
• Some steps internally or externally

Public transport is available to Castlewellan; however, the meeting point is within the park approximately 20-30 minutes walk from Castlewellan itself, so driving may be preferred. Please car pool where possible.

Please note

As the workroom has limited capacity, it is important that we know exactly how many people are attending. If several of you will be attending, please ensure each person has booked a place.

If your plans change and you are not able to attend, please let us know so we can release the space for someone on the waitlist.