Wildflower Seeds | Nature Tours and Training | Wildlife Conservation
An Introduction to Wildflowers and Identification
Sat, Jun 29
|Forest of Flowers
A close look at our wildflower meadows while in their peak, with a discussion covering a range of native species, their benefits for wildlife and how to identify them.
Time & Location
Jun 29, 2024, 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Forest of Flowers, Home Farm, Tollerton Road, York YO61 1JB, UK
About the event
An Introduction to Wildflowers and Identification
Join us for an introduction to wildflower species with a guided walk around the Forest of Flowers habitat at the summer peak. This offers a chance to see a spectacular display of native UK wildflowers in a rich and diverse natural habitat.Â
The event includes an initial talk led by Alwyn Craven, Kew-accredited horticulturalist, with a guided tour of the wildflower meadows afterwards to help develop your knowledge. Together, we will look at:
- Types of wildflowers and their preferred habitatsÂ
- How plants are named and classified
- How to use different plant features to identify the species
- What field guides are available and how to use them
- How wildflowers fit into the broader ecosystem and support wildlife
By the end of the afternoon, you should feel confident to:
- Recognise some common wildflowers by looking at key features
- Use identification keys and books
- Have a good understanding of wildflowers, their benefits and the conditions they need to grow
Refreshments will be provided after the walk.
Our walk will be approximately 2-3 miles through flat but uneven terrain - Â we recommend sturdy/waterproof footwear such as walking boots.
About Forest of Flowers
The Forest of Flowers project has created 74 acres of new woodland and wildflower meadows, with the sole aim to provide a thriving natural sanctuary for wildlife.
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The land, previously a mixed arable and sheep farm, was re-purposed in 2016 when over 42,000 trees and shrubs were planted, alongside 35 native wildflower species. This is part of a vision to create a thriving ecosystem to benefit pollinators, birds and a diverse range of native wildlife.Â
The project also supports:
- Carbon capture to reduce the effects of climate change.
- Prevention of flooding in the local area.
- UK wildflower population, providing seeds from the meadows to other sites nationwide.
About Alwyn Craven
Alwyn studied Biology at Oxford University, achieved a Diploma in Horticulture with Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, before working with the WWT London Wetland Centre and going on to lead the Forest of Flowers plantation near York. Alwyn has an excellent knowledge of ecology as well as plant and wildlife species and taxonomy.
All ticket sales will support our conservation work here on the Forest of Flowers nature reserve. Thank you!
Tickets are limited and booking is essential.
Visitor Comments from Previous Events
"Thank you for a most enjoyable, relaxing, varied and informative event. It was a very special, unique and memorable afternoon. The structure was excellent as it was so varied and the activities linked together so well. We were made to feel welcome from the moment we arrived and the setting under the gazebo in the orchard was absolutely perfect... and your friendly cat was an added bonus!"Â
"From our perspective it was just the right balance, giving people a chance to learn, share their stories, mix with others, ask questions. As always, your knowledge and enthusiasm shone through and I’m sure everyone found the afternoon useful and interesting."
Tickets
Wildflower Event
From £8.00 to £16.00Sold Out- £16.00Tax: VAT included
- £8.00Tax: VAT included
This event is sold out