Plant ID with Chris Gibson - Wivenhoe Essex (Day Trip)

Tour Code: GBR333

A day in coastal Essex designed as an introduction to the identification of wild plants using the new and innovative Wildguide.

1 days from
£60
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Highlights

Summary

Summary

Naturetrek leader Chris Gibson has recently published an innovative new field guide to the 700 most widespread wild plants of Britain and Ireland. This day tour is aimed as a practical introduction to using the book and how it works, using locally available flowers, according to the season. This book is described as a ’springboard to better botany’ and this day will be a step along that springboard for novices and improvers alike, dealing not just with ‘flowery’ plants but also the sometimes more tricky grasses and trees.

Finding plants to identify will involve short walks in the local woods, meadows and coastal habitats, when Chris will also share his extensive local knowledge, not just of botany but also birds, insects and all other aspects of local wildlife and conservation.

During the day we will have two or three seated sessions (probably outside) talking through the structure of the book and working through the new keys. In the event of inclement weather we will be able to retreat under cover, but this may include a local café or pub, so you may need some spending money! You will also need to buy and bring a copy of the book (available from good bookshops, direct from the publishers and Amazon etc). A hand-lens, often sold as a ‘jeweller’s loupe’, would also be an advantage. Be prepared to carry your lunch as the walks will take us some way from the car parking area.

 

  • Take your first step on the springboard to better botany
  • Enjoy a whistlestop tour of historic and natural-historic Wivenhoe
  • Find flowers in coastal, woodland and wetland habitats – and identify them!
  • Special wildlife highlights could include Firebug, Cave Spider, Cetti’s Warbler, Cuckoo, Jersey Cudweed and Four-leaved Allseed
Day Trip Location

Day Trip Location

Dates & Prices

Dates & Prices

2025

Departures Availability Cost
Tue 6th May – Tue 6th May SPACES £60
Book Tour Show Details
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£60
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Chris Gibson
Chris Gibson

Tour Leader: Chris Gibson

Chris is an experienced and enthusiastic all-round naturalist, based in Essex, though still a Yorkshireman at heart. He recently retired (early!) from a long career with Natural England, during which he worked on such varied projects as the notification of SSSIs in Essex, offshore wind developments and the issues surrounding the potential reintroduction of Eurasian Lynx to the UK. Although a conservationist by profession, and an ecologist by training, everything Chris have done has been linked to his life-long passion for natural history. In 2009 he was lucky enough to receive the David Bellamy Award of the British Naturalists’ Association, recognising ‘a naturalist of distinction’. He’s also written and co-written many books and articles. Now he has the time and opportunity to return to his roots as a naturalist, and to do what he does best – trying to enthuse others about the natural world. 

Wed 18th Jun – Wed 18th Jun SPACES £60
Book Tour Show Details
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£60
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Chris Gibson
Chris Gibson

Tour Leader: Chris Gibson

Chris is an experienced and enthusiastic all-round naturalist, based in Essex, though still a Yorkshireman at heart. He recently retired (early!) from a long career with Natural England, during which he worked on such varied projects as the notification of SSSIs in Essex, offshore wind developments and the issues surrounding the potential reintroduction of Eurasian Lynx to the UK. Although a conservationist by profession, and an ecologist by training, everything Chris have done has been linked to his life-long passion for natural history. In 2009 he was lucky enough to receive the David Bellamy Award of the British Naturalists’ Association, recognising ‘a naturalist of distinction’. He’s also written and co-written many books and articles. Now he has the time and opportunity to return to his roots as a naturalist, and to do what he does best – trying to enthuse others about the natural world. 

Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?

For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.

Enquire
Why Naturetrek?

Why Naturetrek?

At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:

  • The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
  • Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
  • Outstanding value and exceptional customer service

Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!