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Contact us
if you are interested in any of the SW identification courses.
The Oxford Mossing Group is for anyone interested in:
a) learning how to identify mosses and liverworts (bryophytes).
b) recording bryophytes in and around Oxfordshire for local and national recording schemes.
The group is administrated by Shotover Wildlife.
Contact: Jacqueline A. Wright
About the Oxford Mossing Group
The group was formed as a way of providing ongoing support and guidance for people who have attended the Shotover Wildlife Mosses and Liverworts Identification Courses.
You don’t have to have been on a course to join the OMG though.
For some, this could be using field identification skills only. Others may prefer to use microscopes and keys in addition.Oxford Mossing Group Activities
VISITS
We visit nature reserves and other places of bryological interest around the County to identify mosses and liverworts (bryophytes) ‘in the field’ and build experience with field identification skills. SURVEYS
We conduct formal bryophyte surveys. Bryophyte records are sent to the Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre (TVERC) and the national biological recording schemes (Biological Records Centre - BRC, and the British Bryological Society - BBS). MICROSCOPE SUPPORT
We also have microscope sessions in order to examine bryophytes in more detail. Those with dissecting microscopes and high power microscopes can bring them to these sessions to practice keying out bryophytes in the convivial atmosphere and support of the group. MICROSCOPE REQUIREMENTS
In order to identify bryophytes accurately, 2 microscopes are required: a low power binocular dissecting microscope (with magnifications of around x20 and x40) and a high power compound microscope (with magnifications of about x40, x100, and x400). The high power one also needs a calibrated eye-piece graticule for measuring leaf cells and spores. MICROSCOPE LOAN
With membership of Shotover Wildlife, those who don’t have their own microscopes can hire both dissecting and high power microscopes in order to practice at home. WHEN DO WE MEET?
We meet in the autumn winter and spring when many bryophytes are at their best. Field visits and microscope sessions are usually held at weekends. We have the field visit in the morning, and continue with a microscope session in the afternoon. Join the Oxford Mossing Group
Membership of the Oxford Mossing Group is FREE.Mosses & Liverworts Identification Courses
LENGTH OF COURSE Shotover Wildlife runs a bryophyte course near Oxford, which is held over 3 weekend days in the winter, when many bryophytes are at their best.
THE AIM OF THE COURSE The aim of the course is to develop both the skills and knowledge required to identify mosses and liverworts. No previous experience of bryology will be assumed but a basic knowledge of botany is expected.
COURSE CONTENT The 3-day course consists of a combination of indoor lab sessions and outdoor field visits. Content includes: structure of bryophytes, terminology, relevant taxonomy, life cycle, bryological microscopy techniques, identification using microscopes and keys, building field identification skills, and recording bryophytes for local and national Records Centres.
EQUIPMENT Microscopes. High quality instruments are provided for use during the course.
Hand Lenses at x10 and x20 are required for the field sessions.
Books required for keying, of which there are copies available for use on the course, are
A.J.E. Smith's The Moss Flora of Britain and Ireland 2nd edition 2004
E.V.Watson's British Mosses and Liverworts 3rd edition 1981.
FEE & BOOKING Contact the course tutor for details. Places on the course are limited in order to provide a high ratio of tutors to participants.
TUTOR Jacqueline A. Wright. County Recorder of bryophytes for Oxfordshire and Berkshire.
DATES Contact the course tutor for dates.
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updated 06/08/2007
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