Pteridomania hits the North Barker fern workshop

In August 2023, the North Barker team took part in specialised botanical training to further develop our skills in identifying Tasmania’s unique and diverse ferns. This training was designed to consolidate our natural values expertise and ensure we remain at the forefront of ecological assessment and field techniques, building upon previous internal workshops with other targeted plant and animal groups.

With several Tasmanian ferns listed as threatened under state and federal legislation, accurate identification and field detection are essential for detailed natural values assessment, informing sound environmental management decisions, and ensuring our client’s compliance with environmental legislation.

Led by expert botanists Michael Garrett and Mark Wapstra, the workshop combined classroom and field learning. We began with hands-on practice using pressed specimens and identification keys, refining our techniques to confidently distinguish between species. This meticulous process allowed our team to understand the subtle differences in frond structure, spore arrangement patterns, and other features critical to correct identification.

The second part of the workshop took us into the hills of the central east coast, where we explored rocky outcrops, wet gullies and dry forests, applying our new skills in situ. This immersive approach reinforced the importance of recognising and protecting Tasmania’s fern species, particularly those under threat.

By continuing to invest in specialised internal and external training, North Barker is committed to maintaining the highest standard of ecological expertise. Workshops like this ensure our team remains skilled, informed, and ready to contribute to the protection of Tasmania’s remarkable natural heritage (as well as providing an opportunity for the team to express their Pteridomania).

North Barker would like to extend a special thanks to Mike Garrett and Mark Wapstra for generously sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm, which made this botanical training workshop both informative and inspiring.