Training Course titles and descriptions
Those courses marked "LLL" are run at Denmark Farm in association with the School of Lifelong Learning, Science and Biology Department of the University of Aberystwyth. Participants will gain Higher Education qualification at 10 credits per course.
Mosses, Liverworts and Lichens – an introduction to lower plant identification (LLL)
The identification of non-flowering plants poses a range of challenges. In this course, you will be introduced to the techniques required to identify bryophytes and lichens, including microscopic examination, chemical tests and the examination of spores and fruiting bodies. There will be a number of field excursions to examine these plants in situ and to collect specimens. A good quality hand lens (at least x5) is very useful for this course. Tutor: Margaret Howells
Rough pasture, scrub and wetland
Phase 1 Habitat Survey
This two-day course introduces the standard UK method of habitat survey, known as Phase 1. It has a wide range of applications, including nature conservation, habitat assessment and development planning. The course starts with an introduction to the method, followed by a discussion of the practical considerations associated with planning and undertaking such surveys. Field-based activities will allow participants to explore the range of skills required. A basic knowledge of plant identification would be useful before undertaking this course. Tutor: Jan Martin
Higher Plant Identification – an introduction (LLL)
“Learning about plant structures and handy tips
to differentiate difficult species will be most useful.”
BTCV Cymru
This course teaches the fundamentals of plant identification — an essential skill for any field biologist or ecologist. The species in a range of common, local habitats will be examined. Students will learn how to use floras and how to identify flowering plant species using keys. Emphasis will be on practical skills, and identification will take place both in the field and in the laboratory. Tutor: Margaret Howells
Introduction to the Identification of Grasses, Sedges and Rushes
“A practical opportunity to identify the taxa in a stimulating professional way.”
Pencoed College
This course is designed to give you confidence in the identification of grasses, sedges and rushes. It is aimed at helping you to identify specimens in these 'difficult groups' in the field and provides a practical introduction for those interested in carrying out vegetation surveys, assessing grassland and monitoring the success of conservation management.
These aims will be achieved in practical workshops (and some field work), through observation, examination and familiarity with the key diagnostic characteristics of both flowering and non-flowering material. It will involve using floras and keys, hand lenses and microscopes. The emphasis throughout is on the practical skills. The focus will be on species in the neutral to acid grasslands of grazed fields and hay meadows which are typical at Denmark Farm. Tutor: Margaret Howells
One of our haymeadows before mowing. The grasses and wild flowers produce hay with a range of minerals and trace elements
Vegetation Survey – a practical introduction
This two-day course combines theory and practice to introduce participants to planning and conducting a vegetation survey. We will consider aspects such as selecting the right quadrat size, designing a sampling strategy and choosing the right sort of data to collect, as well as a brief discussion of what to do with data once collected! There will be practical work, both indoors and outdoors. You will not learn to identify plants during this course, so some previous knowledge will be required, for example attendance on one or more of the plant ID courses at Denmark Farm. Tutor: Jan Martin
Grassland Restoration (in partnership with Flora locale)
“The direct practical experience of grassland enhancement will be extremely helpful.”
DEFRA
The course will provide an introduction to grassland ecology and communities. The relationships between common types of grassland, management, and change will be reviewed, along with practical guidance on how to recognise, assess, record and manage different communities. The latter will focus on ways of changing and maintaining grassland to enhance biodiversity. About half the course will be outdoors and some basic guidance on the recognition of common grassland species in the field will be available.
This course forms one of the Welsh Meadows events which are all funded by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) and so the events are free to participants. Tutor: Richard Williams
Pearl-bordered Fritillary
Butterfly Identification, Habitats and Surveying (LLL)
Few creatures are more sensitive indicators of the health of the environment than butterflies, and the continuing decline of so many species is a serious warning of diminishing diversity. During Part 1 you will be studying butterflies in their natural environment. You will learn how to identify them, what their habitat requirements and larval food plants are. We will also use books and slides during the indoor sessions. We will undertake the first of our butterfly surveys in the grounds of Denmark Farm. During Part 2 we will recap some of what was learned during the first session. We will add additional butterfly species that were not seen then and learn more about habitat requirements and how to manage habitats for a diversity of species. We will study more survey techniques with our second butterfly transect and learn how to write up the results. Tutor: Red Liford
Soldier beetles on Knapweed
Grassland Invertebrates – survey and identification
Much of Britain's grassland results from farming activity. Environmentally sensitive management in terms of lighter grazing, haymaking, mowing and no artificial fertiliser input leads to an increase in flowering plants in grassland which, in turn, increases the abundance and diversity of invertebrates. Many are herbivorous with quite specialised requirements — providing food for a host of carnivorous and parasitic types.
Lots of these species can be found on a holding such as Denmark Farm with its varied range of grassland habitats. Their natural history will be covered in the field, with indoor sessions using binocular microscopes. The course addresses methods of capture and handling specimens and introduces identification techniques — essential for grassland invertebrate surveys and conservation. This course is a short introduction so it will not include detailed procedures for naming some groups to species level but there will be pointers to how this can be done. Tutor: Peter Brown
Wildlife Monitoring - an introduction for amateurs
We have all heard about the importance of biodiversity. But on your own patch, how can you tell whether things are improving? This informal workshop will allow you to share experiences and seek advice about recording changes in wildlife in a limited area. Designed with amateurs in mind, we will think about simple monitoring techniques that will help you to record changes in the wildlife around you. Tutor: Jan Martin
Diverse plant communities thrive in the meadows
Biodiversity Monitoring for Professionals
If you are the manager of any piece of vegetated land, you will be aware of the importance of maintaining and enhancing biodiversity. A vast range of advice is available about how to do this, but determining its effectiveness is not necessarily simple. This workshop is designed to help land owners and managers to plan biodiversity monitoring, specifically to provide useful information targeted to their site. We will also discuss how to analyse and present data in a meaningful way. Participants should bring information about their site, including photographs and any data already collected. Some background in ecology or conservation management will be required, and participants should be prepared to share their ideas within the group. In order to allow all participants the opportunity to gain from the workshop, numbers will be limited. Tutor: Jan Martin