2015 Wildlife Training Workshops Discover more about natural history and the varied wildlife and habitats of Bedfordshire, Ca mbridgeshire and Northa mptonshire
Lower Plants B
Invertebrates
Heathland Lichens
Identification of Riverfly (mayfly, stonefly and caddis fly) Larvae N
Cup-lichens, reindeer-moss, dog-lichen and devil’s matchsticks – some of the largest and most beautiful lichens grow on heathlands, and indeed are an important part of the vegetation. In our three counties, there are not too many species, and by the end of the day, you should be able to name most of them.
The health of our rivers has come under increasing scrutiny over the past few decades, with a perception that ‘Riverflies’ – three orders of sentinel species which form the basis of the sport of fly fishing, have been in decline. Conversely, some species, such as the Grannom caddis Brachycentrus subnubilus and Scarce Olive mayfly Baetis buceratus, seem to be increasing in range and abundance. Initiatives to monitor these, using a large national network of able volunteers, are now well-established. This course will guide participants through all three orders, outline the key features to identify the larvae to family level, and take some specimens further to species level. At the end of the course, you should be able to tell the orders apart with ease, recognise some families in the field, and have an appreciation of how to identify the larvae to species.
Date(s): Sunday 25 January 2015 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Cooper’s Hill Trainer(s): Brian Eversham
B
Introduction to Bryophytes
This workshop will provide participants with an introduction to moss and liverwort identification, show some of the plants special to Flitwick Moor and discuss their conservation. Following the workshop you should be able to recognise various groups of mosses and liverworts and appreciate some of the major issues concerning bryophyte conservation.
Date(s): Saturday 21 March 2015 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Old Sulehay Trainer(s): Richard Chadd
Date(s): Sunday 15 March 2015 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Flitwick Moor Trainer(s): Jeff Duckett
C
N
Introduction to Hoverflies
This course is designed to help the novice understand how to identify hoverflies. It will be taught using preserved material supplied by the tutors, although you are welcome to bring your own too. The course will include a variety of presentations in which it is hoped that a broader understanding of hoverfly taxonomy, ecology and biogeography are better understood. By the end of the course it is anticipated that participants will be able to find their way through to the identity of many of the commoner hoverflies and to understand some of the more challenging characters that can cause problems to the beginner. 2 days for £55
Fungi and Foray
The indoor session will include an illustrated talk on fungi and their biology. During the field trip specimens will be collected and identified and fungi habitats will be examined. Date(s): Saturday 7 November 2015 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Waresley Wood Trainer(s): Peter Walker
Pond dipping usually reveals a diversity of freshwater snails of all shapes and sizes. They are a fairly straightforward group to learn to recognise to species level, and about 30 of the 50 British species can be found in our area, including some conservation priorities. They can be useful in assessing water quality and conservation value of ponds and ditches. Date(s): Saturday 25 April 2015 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Paxton Pits Trainer(s): Brian Eversham
C
Bug Hunting for Adults
The world around us is teeming with animal life – much of it insects!. Come and learn more about the collection, identification, behaviour and conservation of this important group. This workshop will introduce you to the diversity of insects, explain how to identify major groups and a selection of common species, and introduce you to methods that can be used to study insects in the countryside or even in your own back garden. We will discuss why insects are important and ways that habitats can be managed to benefit insects. Date(s): Saturday 9 May 2015 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Gamlingay Wood Trainer(s): Ed Turner
Identification of Bumblebees B
Easily recognisable, this group is of considerable ecological importance in the temperate regions of the world. Learn more about these fascinating insects, their identification and their role in modern conservation in this country. Date(s): Saturday 6 June 2015 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Pegsdon Hills Trainer(s): Adrian Knowles
More information on wildlife training workshops can be found at www.wildlifebcn.org
Image by Penny Frith
Image by Brian Eversham
Cover image by Elliot Smith
Date(s): Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 March 2015 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Ring Haw Field Station, Old Sulehay Trainer(s): Roger Morris and Stuart Ball
Pond Snails – ecology and identification C
N
Identification of Longhorn and Soldier Beetles
An Introduction to Butterflies
This workshop covers two attractive groups of beetles. Longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae), are among the best-known of all forest beetles, frequently seen feeding on hawthorn, hogweed and bramble blossoms. There are about 50 British species.
Butterflies are probably the best known and loved group of insects. Detailed records of their occurrence and distribution have been kept for hundreds of years. In this workshop we will learn how to identify a range of British species as well as details of their natural history and conservation. We will try out some different survey techniques in the field, to demonstrate the value of this important group as an indicator of habitat change.
Soldier-beetles (Cantharidae), with soft, parallelsided wing cases, are often boldly patterned in red and black, and most of the 41 species are quite easy to recognise. The two families together can be very helpful in evaluating and monitoring woodland, grassland and wetland habitats. Date(s): Sunday 14 June 2015 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Old Sulehay Trainer(s): Brian Eversham
Dragonfly Larvae Identification for Beginners C
The aim of this course is for participants to identify dragonfly larvae to genus and understand the basic steps of keying out to species. This will consist of the Microscope-TV link, one-to-one guidance, selfstudy periods and, dependent on the weather, a hunt for larvae/exuviae – PLEASE BOOK THROUGH THE BRITISH DRAGONFLY SOCIETY. Date(s): Sunday 14 June 2015 Timings: 10am – 5pm Venue: Wicken Fen Trainer(s): Henry Curry and Henry Stanier
An Introduction to Macro Moth Identification N
There are around 800 British species of macro moths, 404 of which have been recorded at Pitsford Water nature reserve. This workshop welcomes beginners who would like to learn how to identify macro moths. Moth identification is an ideal ‘next step’ from butterfly identification and a great way to take your first steps into the world of entomology. The literature uses recognition features, and this workshop will be mostly classroom based using live specimens for the practical session. Date(s): Saturday 20 June 2015 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Pitsford Water nature reserve Trainer(s): Mischa Furfaro
B
Date(s): Saturday 27 June 2015 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Totternhoe Quarry Trainer(s): Edgar Turner
Adult Dragonflies and their Habitat for Beginners C
The aim of this course is for participants to identify common species of adult dragonflies and water plants. There will be sessions using colour photo presentations and water plant collections, microscope-TV link, one-to-one guidance and a field tour of adult dragonfly and water plant habitats – PLEASE BOOK THROUGH THE BRITISH DRAGONFLY SOCIETY. Date(s): Saturday 4 July 2015 Timings: 10am – 5pm Venue: Wicken Fen Trainer(s): Stuart Irons
C
Introducing the Dragonfly
Specifically designed for the beginner, this very popular course includes dragonfly biology, ecology and identification, and a field tour of dragonfly habitats on site – PLEASE BOOK THROUGH THE BRITISH DRAGONFLY SOCIETY. Date(s): Saturday 25 July 2015 Timings: 10am – 5pm Venue: Wicken Fen Trainer(s): Henry Curry
B
Ants II
This workshop is intended for people who already have a basic understanding of ants and their identification. This course will concentrate on the identification of some of the more tricky species, especially the red ants in the genus Myrmica, which beginners tend to confuse. Much of the day will be spent identifying specimens with a microscope or hand lens, though there will be an opportunity for fieldwork, too. The different closely-related species have distinct ecological requirements, and are especially useful in monitoring habitat structure.
Date(s): Sunday 16 August 2015 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Cooper’s Hill Trainer(s): Brian Eversham
B
An Introduction to Weevils
This workshop will provide an introduction to the beetles known as weevils. Participants will learn how to recognise different common weevil types and the anatomical features used in identification keys will be described. Identification will be practiced using specimens provided and collected in the field on the day. This will involve the use of microscopes and dichotomous keys. Date(s): Saturday 22 August 2015 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Cooper’s Hill Trainer(s): Wilf Powell
N
An Introduction to Spiders
The aim of this workshop is to familiarise participants with the 34 different spider families found in the UK, highlighting distinguishing characteristics observable in the field. Following an indoor session, there will be opportunities for fieldwork and demonstration of collection techniques out on the nature reserve at Old Sulehay. Date(s): Sunday 13 September 2015 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Old Sulehay Trainer(s): Lawrence Bee
The Hidden World of the Cow Pat C
This workshop will detail the ecology and the importance of the true dung beetles (Scarabaeidae). The indoor session will cover identification using the Royal Entomological Society key (which will be provided to participants on the day) and microscopes. Also covered will be collection methods, how to produce a reference collection and why, where to send records, and further sources of information. Note that this workshop will involve contact with cow dung and the killing of some specimens. Participants should have some familiarity with using dichotomous identification keys. Date(s): Saturday 19 September 2015 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Corney’s Barn Trainer(s): Nancy Reed
More information on wildlife training workshops can be found at www.wildlifebcn.org
Botany B
Pond Dipping for Adults
Dipping in pools with a net is a well-known activity for children. But it need not be an activity exclusively practised by children. This course will take the “simple” a step further, by introducing participants to techniques for pond assessment and providing a crash-course in identification of pond macro-invertebrates to species level. Date(s): Saturday 26 September 2015 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Priory Country Park Trainer(s): Richard Chadd
N
Winter Tree Identification
One of the best times to carry out tree/woodland survey or monitoring is during the winter. This workshop is an introduction to the skills and terms required for winter identification, using such features as bark, buds, plant habit and so forth. These skills are also invaluable for those carrying out practical woodland work in winter. Date(s): Sunday 15 February 2015 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Old Sulehay Trainer(s): Matt Jackson
Bedfordshire’s chalk downland by exploring Pegsdon Hills.The indoor session will look at the ecology of chalk grassland and the range of plants to be found. In the afternoon we will visit Pegsdon Hills nature reserve and look for the wildflowers growing there and discuss management required to maintain this wildlife rich habitat. Date(s): Sunday 7 June 2015 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Pegsdon Hills Trainer: Graham Bellamy
Identification and Ecology of Aquatic Plants B
Identification of Earthworms N
There are 27 species of earthworm living freely in soils in the UK. The course will begin by giving a general overview of British earthworm species and how to collect and preserve them (to accurately identify British earthworms they do need to be preserved). It will involve some collecting in nearby habitats for a short period using various sampling methods. This will be followed by an introduction to the taxonomic characters needed for identification. Participants will then begin identifying the worms collected that day, in addition to using some test material brought along by the trainers. Date(s): Saturday 14 November 2015 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Lings local nature reserve Trainer(s): Emma Sherlock and Kieron Brown
Indoor Invertebrate Techniques N
So, you’ve caught your invertebrate specimens, now what do you do with them? This workshop will cover such subjects as how to make and keep a collection, either of dry specimens (pinned or carded) or preserved in alcohol, getting the best out of your microscope and ancillary equipment, how to dissect specimens, what equipment to buy and how to use it. Both terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates will be covered. Date(s): Sunday 22 November 2015 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Ring Haw Field Station, Old Sulehay Trainer(s): Brian Eversham and Richard Chadd
Plant Identification Skills the flower, leaf, shoot and root of botany N
The day is mainly aimed at those who have picked up some knowledge of plants from friends and family or looking at pictures, but are put off from taking things further by the technical language of more serious plant books. It will also suit the complete beginner. Date(s): Sunday 17 May 2015 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Old Sulehay Trainer(s): John Hopkins
Identifying Sedges and their Allies B
Many naturalists and gardeners divide the plant world into flowers and “the rest”. Amongst these, sedges can be confounded with grasses and/or rushes, but represent distinct groups with little other than their small brownish flowers and narrow leaves to unite them. In this workshop, the field-marks that separate sedges from rushes and grasses and from each other will be described, together with an outline of the major British groups and species. The classroom session will be complemented by a look at Carex species in the local region and especially in woods and wetlands. Date(s): Saturday 30 May 2015 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Flitwick Moor Trainer: Owen Mountford
Wildflowers of Chalk Grassland B
Aquatic plants are notoriously difficult to identify, partly because the same species can be so variable in morphology due to depth and flow. This course will focus on floating, submerged and emergent species typical of lowland eastern England, but will take account of those emergent species that may be present only in floating or submerged forms. Date(s): Saturday 11 July 2015 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Felmersham Trainer(s): Owen Mountford
Introduction to Grass Identification C
The aim of this workshop is to be able to identify common grasses in the field using basic characteristics. Participants will be encouraged and helped to use keys and books in the classroom for some of the grasses collected. Date(s): TBC Timings: 10am - 4pm Venue: Ramsey Heights/Woodwalton Fen Trainer: Brian Davis
Introduction to Wildflower Identification B
Do you know the difference between a daisy and a dandelion or a thistle and a knapweed? Do you know the parts that make up a flowerhead? Learn how to use identification keys and other resources such as floras. Date(s): Sunday 19 July 2015 Timings: 10am - 4pm Venue: Priory Country Park Trainer: Brian Eversham
Chalk grassland is one of the richest habitats for wildflowers in Britain. This workshop will introduce you to the range of wildflowers to be found on
More information on wildlife training workshops can be found at www.wildlifebcn.org
Vertebrates N
Mammal Tracks and Signs
This workshop will highlight the sorts of mammal tracks and signs that you might come across when out in the countryside, including those of the larger mammals like badgers, foxes, otters and deer, depending on the weather. ‘Signs’ can be a very wide variety of things, including droppings, hair, fur, feeding signs and ‘homes’ including badger setts and water vole burrows. Date(s): Saturday 18 April 2015 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Old Sulehay Trainer(s): Peter Pilbeam
Discovering Pond Life – An Introduction to Amphibians
Beginners Guide to Birdsong B
C
This two day workshop is aimed to give a good background to people who wish to learn about identifying birds by their songs. We will make a number of visits to habitats in and around Priory Country Park to practice listening and identifying birds in addition to indoors sessions. Suitable for complete beginners and people wishing to refresh or develop their skills. 2 days for £45 Date(s): Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 May 2015 Timings: 10am – 4pm and 8am – 2pm Venue: Priory Country Park Trainer(s): Paul Gosling
N
Learn to identify this small, secretive group and meet some of the creatures at the reserve. The classroom session will examine the ecology and behaviour of these fascinating animals, the legislation to protect them, the threats they face and how conservationists are trying to help. Outdoors we will carry out a daytime site survey and discuss survey methods and site management. After dark we will conduct a torch survey and hopefully observe amphibians going about their daily activities. Date(s): Saturday 18 April 2015 Timings: 3pm – 9pm Venue: Kings Cliffe Trainer(s): Laura Wood
Natural History of the Water Vole C
A workshop to introduce participants to the natural history and field signs of the water vole. What caused their decline and what can be done about it? Includes a field visit to look for evidence of water vole activity in the Cambourne/Cambridge area and information on how to conduct surveys. Date(s): Sunday 26 April 2015 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Cambourne Trainer(s): Iain Webb and Ruth Hawksley
Territorial Ecology of Badgers B
An introduction to badgers, their ecology, and their territorial behaviour with an emphasis on field signs. This will include a visit to Maulden Wood, where the Bedfordshire Badger Network carried out a 10 year study of badger territories. only £20 Date(s): Saturday 16 May 2015 Timings: 3pm – 7pm Venue: Maulden Wood Trainer(s): Richard Lawrence
N
Warbler Identification
This workshop aims at helping participants to identify our warblers by voice and plumage. It will start with an indoor session where we will listen to warbler songs and look at key features of warblers, to be followed by a walk testing our skills in the field. This workshop is open for beginners and those who want to improve existing identification skills alike. Date(s): Sunday 17 May 2015 Timings: 7am – 12pm Venue: Summer Leys Trainer(s): Paul Gosling
C
only £25
An Introduction to the Otter
This is an introduction to the European Otter, its biology, ecology, protection and conservation. Learn where, when and how to survey for them and how to distinguish their field signs; also, once you know where they are, a few tips on seeing one alive!
Beginning with Bats
Explore the natural history of bats; what they are and where they are, their place in the world and how they live in it. Includes an evening guided walk to detect and observe local species and gain experience in using ultrasound detectors to “listen” to bat echolocation. Date(s): Saturday 1 August 2015 Timings: 5pm – 10.30pm Venue: Burghley Park Trainer(s): Henry Stanier and Christine Donnelly
C
Introduction to Dormice
This workshop is aimed to give a good background introduction to people who wish to learn about dormouse monitoring. We will also cover the natural history of dormice and examples of monitoring projects including the first re-introduction project in the country at Brampton Wood. In the afternoon there will be a visit to Brampton Wood and the surrounding area to check dormouse boxes (this does not guarantee a sighting of a dormouse). Date(s): Saturday 15 August 2015 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Brampton Wood Trainer(s): Paul Manchester and Henry Stanier
Small Mammals – identifying them and surveying for them B
Capture and identification of small mammals will be demonstrated in this workshop along with a range of related aspects of work on small mammals. The evening session will be used to set a variety of small mammal traps and the early start is to see what’s been caught overnight – the welfare of any trapped animal is of paramount importance. There will be a session on British mammals in general, methods of study (including owl pellet analysis) and on small mammal surveying. Date(s) and timings: Saturday 31 October 2015 (5pm – 6.30pm) Sunday 1 November 2015 (8am – 1pm) Venue: Priory Country Park Trainer(s): Peter Pilbeam
Date(s): Sunday 21 June 2015 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Paxton Pits Trainer(s): Richard Lawrence
More information on wildlife training workshops can be found at www.wildlifebcn.org
Practical Skills C
Hedgelaying Weekend
Hedgelaying maintains the density and structure of hedgerows thereby benefiting both the hedge and the plants and creatures that depend on it. This practical workshop is suitable both for beginners and for those wishing to improve or revive existing skills. 2 days for £55 Date(s): Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 January 2015 Timings: (10am – 4pm) Venue: Grafham Water Trainer(s): Aidan Matthews and Greg Belcher
C
Charcoal Making
N
BES 1 – Species and Habitats (including habitat classification)
BES 2 – Habitat Management and Monitoring
This workshop combines an introduction to the basic ecology of species and their populations, with a description and classification of the main habitats in our three counties. It will look at the factors which control individual species distributions, and how species may be used as ‘indicators’, to evaluate and monitor habitats.
The Trust puts much effort into grazing, mowing, coppicing and other activities – why? How do we decide what to do? What are the underlying principles? Which species will benefit from each management technique? The day will explore the underlying ecological processes in managing habitat, and the basic features of the major habitat types – heathland, grassland, wetland and woodland.
The second part of the day is a brief introduction to the main habitat types in the three counties, and how they can be classified. We will also look at how size, location and surrounding landscape affects the value and the management of a habitat for wildlife Date(s): Sunday 27 September 2015 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Old Sulehay Trainer(s): Brian Eversham
N
The second part of the day will explain why monitoring is needed, the principles for planning surveys, which plants and animals to record in which habitats, and how to interpret results. Date(s): Sunday 25 October 2015 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Old Sulehay Trainer(s): Brian Eversham
Date(s): Sunday 10 May 2015 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Grafham Water Trainer(s): Aidan Matthews and Greg Belcher
C
Coppicing Weekend
Coppicing is a traditional woodland management technique that provides a diversity of woodland habitats that benefits a rich diversity of wildlife. This two-day coppicing course will be a practical introduction to coppicing for both conservation and coppice products. Aspects covered on the course will include habitats and conservation, health and safety, practical coppicing, coppice products and lots more. 2 days for £55 Date(s): Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October 2015 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Hayley Wood Trainer(s): Mark Ricketts and Patrick Brown
N
Coppicing day
This workshop is a practical introduction to coppicing. The day will be spent at the wood looking at coppicing, layering and ride-widening and how these activities can benefit the flora and fauna of the wood. Date(s): Sunday 13 December 2015 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Short Wood Trainer(s): Stuart Baker and Paul Trevor
More information on wildlife training workshops can be found at www.wildlifebcn.org
Image by Suzanna Bird
Discover the process of producing lumpwood charcoal. Examine the history of charcoal use and production. Learn how this process affected the landscape and preserved the existence of our ancient woodland blocks. Get hands on with the work of preparing, loading, firing and sealing a 1.8m charcoal ring kiln and learn how to make your own charcoal in an oil barrel. Discuss the opening of the kiln, bagging and marketing of the lumpwood charcoal to the local community.
Basic Ecology Skills
Discover how to plan, implement and maintain a wildlife-friendly garden that looks fantastic whilst enhancing the lives of the creatures who visit. The day will be hosted by designer Joe Francis (of Outer Space Gardens Northampton) and is packed full of exciting ideas that can be applied to any garden project. only £25 Date(s): Saturday 13 June 2015 Timings: 10am – 2.30pm Venue: Northampton Trainer(s): Joe Francis (Outer Space Gardens)
An Introduction to River Corridor Surveying C
River corridor is a term used to describe a stretch of river, its banks and the nearby land. River Corridor Survey (RCS) is a mapping technique used by ecological consultants and planning authorities to assess the character and habitat quality of river corridors. This workshop will provide an introduction to the survey method followed by a field visit to practice drawing your own river corridor map. Date(s): Saturday 5 September 2015 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Paxton Pits Trainer(s): Josh Hellon
More information on wildlife training workshops can be found at www.wildlifebcn.org
Image by Tom Marshall
The Natural Selection – A guide to creating wildlifefriendly gardens N