Botanical Skills NI: Conifer Identification Training

Conifers play a central role in active forestry across Ireland, yet distinguishing between native, non-native, and naturalised species in the field can present significant challenges. Designed specifically for intermediate-level participants, this comprehensive day workshop provided by our Botanical Skills Project in Northern Ireland will provide ecologists, environmental consultants, botanists and recorders with the practical skills needed to identify and record these species with confidence. 

The day combines detailed morning laboratory and specimen study with an applied afternoon field survey: 

• Beginning at 10:30 AM at the Newcastle Parish Centre in County Down, our indoor workshop will focus on conifer diversity, taxonomy, and key botanical nomenclature essential for precise identification. 
• During lunch, we'll relocate to Tollymore Forest Park, which is situated a short ten-minute drive from the parish centre. 
• The afternoon session will focus entirely on observing and recording conifers in their natural habitat, and you will apply the diagnostic tools learned during the morning to identify live trees in-situ and practice recording field data accurately.

Terrain, Fitness, and Equipment: The afternoon portion of the workshop takes place across relatively flat to moderate terrain within Tollymore Forest Park. The group will stick primarily to main established footpaths, though participants will occasionally cross footbridges and walk over uneven ground. A moderate level of physical fitness is required to complete approximately two hours of outdoor walking. Please dress appropriately for changing weather conditions by wearing warm, waterproof layers and sturdy walking boots. If you own a 10x magnification hand lens, we encourage you to bring it along for close-up inspection.

Venue, Travel, and Parking Information: The morning session will be held at Newcastle Parish Centre, County Down, before moving to Tollymore Forest Park for the afternoon. Attendees are responsible for arranging their own transportation between the two locations. Please note that Tollymore Forest Park charges a £5 vehicle entry fee at the main gate.

Booking: If you are having trouble 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.og or +44 (0) 7404 231178.

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.

The BSBI has a culture of mutual respect, and takes seriously the safety and well-being 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.