Our botany short course is the ideal introduction to the green kingdom, looking at the incredible diversity and adaptability of plants. For something more focussed, our one-day workshops are a great way to acquaint yourself with many of our native plants and fungi. They allow you to brush up on your identification skills, as well as finding out a little bit about the ecology, ethnobotany and importance of many of our native species.
View forthcoming courses further down the page or download the full course prospectus from the box on the right.
If you would like to get more serious about field botany - perhaps as part of your job or university studies - you can join our Certificate in Practical Field Botany course. To take your studies to a postgraduate level we offer an MSc in the Biodiversity and Taxonomy of Plants.
RBGE’s beginning botany course is suitable for ages 12 to 102.
Beginning Botany
Wednesdays, Term 1 or Term 2
7.00pm - 9.00pm, £80/£72
Aimed at the complete beginner and using living plants from the Garden, this eight-week course investigates the identification, function and ecology of familiar plant species. Useful as a pre-course to the RHS Level 2 Certificate in Horticulture.
Plant Identification Workshops
One-day workshops are a great way to find out more about different plant groups, their distinguishing features, life-cycle and ecology, and to brush up your skills in plant identification. We run courses on the following groups:
- Fern Identification
- Grass Identification
- Lichen Identification
- Moss Identification 1
- Moss Identification 2 (for those with some experience)
- Wildflower Identification
Forthcoming botany and science courses
Medicine from the Trees
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Tues 13 Jan 2009
When is a herb not a herb? When it's a tree! Discover the therapeutic treasure store of our ancient woodlands and those of distant shores, learning something of the pharmacology, folklore and history that surround this truly remarkable facet of phytothera
Medicine from Trees
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Thurs 15 Jan 2009
When is a herb not a herb? When it’s a tree! Discover the therapeutic treasure store of our ancient woodlands...
RBGE Certificate in Practical Field Botany
Tues 20 Jan — Tues 3 Feb 2009
Study for the RBGE Certificate in Field Botany in the heart of the Maya Mountains of Belize. Course units include Plant Identification...
Beginning Botany
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Wed 28 Jan 2009
Aimed at the complete beginner and using living plants from the garden, this eight-week course investigates the identification, function and ecology of familiar plant species...
Plant Geography
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Thurs 29 Jan 2009
This 11-week course investigates the ways that plants have adapted to the incredible diversity of habitats available on Earth...
Victorian Horticulture
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Thurs 29 Jan 2009
This course looks at the innovations and passions that drove one of Britain’s golden ages of horticulture.
Moss Identification: Level 2
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Sun 15 Feb 2009
This workshop will include the ecology and distribution of bryophytes and the construction of keys. Previous attendance on Moss ID for Beginners or other experience required. Taught by David Chamberlain.
Uncovering Evolution (Phylogenetics for Beginners)
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Sat 21 Feb 2009
Learn how to uncover the evolutionary history of plants. Discover how plants are related to each other and how we can use this information to study, name, classify and conserve them.
Lichen Identification
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Sun 15 Mar 2009
An introduction to the fundamental features of lichens. The day will include a lab-based session providing an introduction to the lichens, their structure and function and identification techniques.
Recognising Plant Families
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Tues 14 Apr 2009
The ability to recognise plant families is a key skill for botanists and gardeners alike...
