|
|
|
|
|
Training Course titles and descriptionsThose 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. |
Streams and ditches are important wildlife corridors |
Guide to Environmental Impact Assessment (LLL)This module introduces students to the history, concepts and practice of environmental impact assessment (EIA), providing them with knowledge of when an assessment is necessary and the stages involved in producing one. The course comprises a series of lectures, seminars and discussion sessions, designed to allow students to explore the role of EIA in the UK and elsewhere, and its potential and limitations. Tutor: Mick Green |
Grassland Restoration (in partnership with Flora locale)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 |
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 |
Nature Reserves and Habitat Survey (LLL)This module aims to introduce students to the design and value of nature reserves and to a range of survey techniques commonly used in nature conservation. Survey is essential for planning appropriate habitat management and is a valuable skill when seeking employment – this course is designed to give students a thorough grounding in the techniques available. Tutor: Jan Martin Introduction to National Vegetation Classification (NVC)Even before the publication of the first volume of the National Vegetation Classification (NVC) in 1991, the system was being hailed as a valuable tool for ecologists, conservation managers and planners. In the intervening years this has certainly proved true and knowledge of the classification is now essential for many jobs. This two-day course is intended to provide an introduction to the NVC, including a discussion of the original rationale, and the data collection and analysis that resulted in the vegetation communities described in the classification. We will then examine the principles of collecting data in such a way that it can be classified according to the NVC. We will look at the methods for determining the communities present – using both manual keys and computer software, such as MAVIS. Field activities will be used to illustrate the principles of data collection. A sound knowledge of plant identification would be useful before undertaking this course. N.B. This is an introductory course with limited time available so we will not be able to conduct detailed NVC surveys in a range of habitats. Tutor: Jan Martin |
|
“Learning about plant structures and handy tips
to differentiate difficult species will be most useful.” |
Higher Plant Identification – an introduction (LLL)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 or Barrie Thomas |
Soldier beetles on Knapweed |
Diversity of Invertebrates of West Wales (LLL)Even with the vagaries of the British weather, a wide range of insects and other invertebrate animals can be discovered and studied in west Wales. The natural history of species characteristic of a variety of habitats around Denmark Farm will be covered during the four-day course, which will comprise lectures, short excursions and follow-up laboratory sessions. The course assesses methods of capturing, handling and identifying specimens: techniques essential for carrying out the surveys upon which management plans for their conservation are based. (LLL students who have completed The Diversity of Animals and the Freshwater Biology modules will find this a useful extension, but they are not an essential pre-requisite for enrolment). Tutor: Peter Brown |
|
“All I have learnt will be useful, especially preparation
and observation of our site before pond creation.” |
Pond Creation and Management (in partnership with Flora locale)Creating a really good wildlife pond takes careful planning and an understanding of how ponds fit in with other habitats. We will cover the essential principles and techniques of how and where to create ponds, the pros and cons of planting versus natural colonisation, the do's and don'ts of management, and the legal and financial considerations. You will also see the wetland network and associated wildlife at Denmark Farm. Tutor: Steve Pritchard |
Pearl-bordered Fritillary |
Butterfly Survey (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 |
Phase 1 Habitat SurveyThis 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 |
|
Site designed and built by Syntactic |
This document has been taken from the Shared Earth Trust Web site at http://www.shared-earth-trust.org.uk . The Trust can be contacted on 01570 493358.