Page 27 - 2021 AMA Summer

A CRIB CARD FOR MOUNTAIN LEADERS
Ryan Lang MCI
The Summer Mountain Leader Award is something that many of us have achieved or will aspire to throughout our military career and beyond. The syllabus contains a subject that many people pay lip service to which is “Flora”. The word Flora comes from the Latin word for flower and in scientific terms flora refers to the plants occurring within a given region.
Summer Mountain leader aspirants will be expected to have a good knowledge of the flora that they may see whilst on assessment. You will be expected to use your initiative to stop and demonstrate your flora knowledge, don’t wait to be asked. Nobody is expecting you to be Alan Titchmarsh, but being able to recognise some flora, know their names and some key features is what is expected.
There are some great books available to help you on your journey such as “Nature of Snowdonia” by Mike Raine. The 2nd
edition is a complete field guide for the mountains of Snowdonia through the seasons,itsplants,animals and rocks. Everything you’re likely to see in the hills at that time of year is in one book. There are also some flora apps available in the various app stores, however, I am personally less keen on these due to the reliance on technology and a phone signal.
Another option is to create some revision cards that you can take with you on your journey into the mountains. They weigh very little, don’t rely on technology, and can also be passed around the group easily. A set of cards have the right amount of knowledge on them that can also be passed around a group on a day out.
Jim Langley IML, WML (‘Reflections from a Mountain
Rescue Volunteer’ – AMA Journal Summer 21 & owner of Nature’s Work) has produced a
comprehensive set of cards that are available to purchase through
his website www. natureswork.co.uk/ nw-shop.
Or if you’re looking for a lower price option, I have uploaded a set of my own cards to the AMA website (see the members’ area) that you’re free to download for your own use. These include a selection if the most common that you will see in Snowdonia throughout Spring to Autumn. All you need to do is cut them out, glue the text backing onto the picture then laminate them to ensure
they are protected against the elements.
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Photographer: John Stead
To receive discount:
 Register on www.terra-nova.co.uk
 Send an e-mail to salesoffice@terra-nova.co.uk stating you are an AMA Member and quote membership number.
 Once your account has been approved, visit the website and log in to see discounted prices (where applicable).
Award winning outdoor gear,
tried and tested in some of the most extreme environments.
TERRA NOVA EQUIPMENT LIMITED
Tel: 01773 833300 www.terra-nova.co.uk
ARMY MOUNTAINEER / 27