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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 to provide 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 when required. 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 have occasional 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. 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 at weekends in the autumn winter and spring when many bryophytes are at their best. Join the Oxford Mossing Group
Membership of the Oxford Mossing Group is FREE.Mosses & Liverworts Identification Courses
LENGTH OF COURSE The Shotover Wildlife bryophyte course is held on 3 weekend days in November (usually the 3rd and 4th weekend). It takes place near Oxford.
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 plant identification is expected.
COURSE CONTENT The course consists of a combination of indoor lab sessions with microscopes and outdoor field visits. Content includes: structure of bryophytes, terminology, bryological microscopy techniques, microscope calibration, identification using microscopes and keys, building field identification skills, use of the BBS Field Guide, and recording bryophytes.
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 are
British Mosses and Liverworts, E.V.Watson. 3rd edition 1981. Pub Cambridge;
Mosses and Liverworts of Britain and Ireland. A Field Guide. Pub British Bryological Society. Available from Spring 2010 from: www.britishbryologicalsociety.org.uk
FEE & BOOKING Contact the course tutor for details. Places on the course are strictly 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.
Copyright © Shotover Wildlife 2007
updated 06/08/2007
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