Winter Tree ID - 2025 Workshops
Various locations - in Yorkshire, Lincolnshire & Suffolk - see below for details
Many of the distinguishing characteristics of trees - such as leaves, flowers & fruits - are lost in winter, which can make it seem tricky to identify one tree from the next. However, look closely and there are many subtle clues to help you with identification - from buds and twigs to bark and overall shape. Once you get your eye in you will see more and more detail, and winter walks will come alive with added interest.
These are a practical workshops that will focus on native tree species, the types you are likely to come across in the English countryside. As well as identification skills you will also learn about some of the natural and cultural history associated with different trees.
Unless otherwise specified, workshops involve time spent in the classroom combined with time outside, walking to view trees.
Sheffield Botanical Gardens
Dates - Saturday 8th February 2025
Time - 10.30am - 1.30/2pm
Cost - £30 (Tea/coffee provided) (A few places are offered at the discounted price of £20 at this venue)
The Venue - Sheffield Botanical Gardens is a wonderful green space in the heart of the city, with a wealth of trees and plants, both exotic and native. Courses take place in the purpose built Dorothy Fox Education Centre, on the south side of the garden and close to vibrant Ecclesall Road.
Pin Mill Studios, Nr. Ipswich
Dates - Saturday 22nd February 2025
Time - 10.30am - 1.30/2pm
Cost - £30 (Tea/coffee provided)
The Venue - Pin Mill is a charming little hamlet on the edge of the river Orwell, with the beautiful Cliff Plantation’ woodland on its doorstep, which we will access for part of the workshop to enjoy the many mature trees there . Pin Mill Studio includes a lovely little cafe that will be open after the workshop, and there is also the well-known Butt & Oyster pub very close by.
Doddington Hall, Nr. Lincoln
Dates - Saturday 15th February 2025
Time - 10am - 1/130pm
Cost - £30 (Tea/coffee provided)
Booking via Doddington Hall website - follow link
Venue - Doddington Hall is an Elizabethan house outside historic Lincoln. The Hall is surrounded by parkland and woods where many magnificent mature native trees reside, which we visit during the workshop.
RHS Harlow Carr, Nr. Harrogate
Dates - Saturday 1st February 2025
This is a ‘Walk & Talk’ out in the gardens (rather than classroom based) - for details & to book please go to the RHS website
Venue - RHS Harlow Carr perhaps needs no introduction, as one of the finest gardens in Yorkshire, with an amazing collection of trees to enjoy. All of which you can continue to enjoy after the tree walk & talk
Parkland tree walk
at Doddington Hall, Nr. Lincoln
I am delighted to be running another guided walk of countryside trees on the Doddington Estate this summer, to give visitors the chance to learn more about some of the many wonderful trees there.
Trees have always played a vital role, both culturally and ecologically, and nowhere more so than at Doddington. This walk will meander through parts of the park and woodland close to the Hall, to take a closer look at some of the amazing specimens they have there.
The English countryside is home to many beautiful species, and at Doddington they have some old and interesting examples of oak, beech, sweet chestnut, sycamore, hawthorn, poplar and more. These trees are full of stories and wonder, and continue to draw our fascination and respect.
As well as hearing about some of the natural history and folklore of these trees, you will also learn some of the ways to tell one tree from another – such as the shape of leaves, texture of bark and overall form of the tree. Country walks will never be the same!
No prior knowledge is needed.
Date - 21st June 2025
time - 10am - 1230pm
Cost - £20
Booking - Booking via Doddington Hall website - here
