Botanical Skills NI: Charophyte Identification Training

Charophytes are aquatic plants which are often overlooked by botanists due to their difficulty. Happily, the Botanical Skills Northern Ireland Project  is running a charophyte ID training workshop with expert trainer Cilian Roden on 28 September 2026 from 10:30am to 4pm at Lough Money, Co. Down.

Charophytes are a group of aquatic green algae that typically live in calcareous water bodies such as marl lakes and also estuaries. This training session will focus on their identification and ecology. In the morning we will be indoors learning about charophyte identification and in the afternoon we will visit a local site to identify and record charophytes in their natural habitat.

• This site is on moderate terrain. We will spend most of the day off-path on uneven, possibly slippery ground near the lough edge. You will not be required to enter the water.

Learning Objectives for this event:

• Improve ID skills and better understand the ecology of charophytes

• Learn how to sample aquatic vegetation and equipment needed

What to bring: 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.

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

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 us on bookings@bsbi.org or +44 (0) 7404 231178.

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