Scottish Events: Aquatic Plants identification training - Aberfeldy Lochs

Join aquatic plant expert Nick Stewart for a day of training on aquatic plant identification at the lochs around Aberfeldy, Perthshire.

Nick will also be running a similar event at the lochs around Blairgowrie on Sunday 20 September, and participants are welcome to book for one or both days. Places are limited, but there will be waiting list in operation.

Description: The day will kick off at Loch Kinardochy (Google Maps; What3Words: ///prancing.windows.fluid) at 10:00am. Here we will search for aquatics, with seven Potamogeton (pondweed) species, Chara virgata (Delicate Stonewort), Isoetes lacustris (Quillwort), Littorella uniflora (Shorweed), Lobelia dortmanna (Water Lobelia), Myriophyllum alternifolium (Alternate Water-milfoil), Sparganium (bur-reed) species and Subularia aquatica (Awlwort) recorded from the site. We will continue to visit Lochan an Daim, where Eleogiton fluitans (Floating Club-rush), Nitella (stonewort) species and Utricularia (bladderwort) species have been found, and if time visit Dunalastair to search for Pilularia globulifera (Pillwort).

Bring: Packed lunch, wellies, hand lens, waterproofs and warm clothes, plus grapnel and ID guides if you have them (but they are not necessary).

Meeting point: Exact location will be provided in the joining instructions prior to the day. It may be necessary to car pool from the original meeting places, depending on numbers. Google Maps; What3Words: ///prancing.windows.fluid at 10:00am.

Contingency plan (in case of bad weather): In the event of very bad weather, we may have to cancel. Please keep a close eye on your email to avoid disappointment.

Expected terrain: Uneven and marshy ground, loch margins.

Enquiries: Matt Harding, matt.harding@bsbi.org 

Biosecurity: It is very important that botanists working in freshwater environments do not spread invasive species or pathogens including crayfish plague. Please make sure your boots and any equipment are completely clean and dry before the field day. As we will be visiting more than one site we will have disinfectant available; wellies are recommended as they are easier to clean than other shoes!

Booking: If you experience any difficulties booking online, please phone the main BSBI phone number between 9:00 am and 5:30 pm for assistance: +44 (0) 7404 231178.

Accessibility: If you have any questions about accessibility or specific needs that would help you take part comfortably, please feel free to contact Matt Harding, matt.harding@bsbi.org

Safety and booking terms: Please read this guidance for participants at BSBI events carefully, before booking.

The BSBI has a culture of mutual respect, and takes seriously the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved in our events. We want everyone at our events to enjoy themselves, and we expect everyone to act in a respectful manner towards others at all times. We will not tolerate harassment, discrimination or inappropriate behaviour of any kind, and will treat any reported incidents seriously.

Please always come prepared with suitable outdoor clothing and comfortable walking footwear, as we will be spending time outside in varying weather conditions. If there is any compulsory kit required to attend it will be detailed here, otherwise more details of recommended equipment may be included in your booking confirmation or details provided nearer the event.