WT wildlife training doc 2016 by Jamie Bello

2016

Wildlife Training Workshops

Discover more about natural history and the varied wildlife and habitats of Bedfordshire, Ca mbridgeshire and Northa mptonshire WT wildlife training doc 2016.indd 21

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Lower Plants Invertebrates Image: Lichen by Brian Eversham

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 5 March 2016 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Flitwick Moor Trainer(s): Jeff Duckett

L ichens on Trees, Walls and Stonework

Lichens are amongst the best indicators of air quality and can help indicate the conservation value of many habitats. There is currently a spectacular re-colonisation of lichens in our region following the decline in atmospheric sulphur dioxide levels. The situation is complicated by the increasing influence of compounds of nitrogen and climate change. The identification of lichen species is not easy but with little more than a hand lens any interested naturalist can soon be contributing useful information to this fascinating field of study. This workshop will provide an introduction to all the skills required from using keys to microscopy and simple chemical tests. The crusts growing on stonework are often considered to be more difficult to identify than the lichens on trees, but they are important in evaluating the conservation importance of built structures. By the end of the day some of the more conspicuous lichens on walls should be familiar including a common but, as yet, undescribed species. Date(s): Saturday 20 August 2016 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Cooper’s Hill and Ampthill area Trainer(s): Mark Powell

Grassland Fungi

The initial indoor session will include an illustrated talk on fungi with an emphasis on grassland species and their identification. We will focus on a few of the expected species so that participants will be prepared for the foray. During the field trip specimens will be collected and identified and several habitats will be examined. By the end of the course it is anticipated that participants will have an understanding of the different types of grassland fungi and their significance for site designation. Date(s): Saturday 15 October 2016 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Old Sulehay/Stonepit Close Trainer(s): Jeff Blincow

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 29 October 2016 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Gamlingay Wood Trainer(s): Peter Walker

Image: by Brian Eversham

n Introduction to A Fly Families

This is an introductory course that focuses on those fly families with active recording schemes. Its main objective is to help participants get to grips with the range of terminology and where to find the features in question. The course is classroom based and will make use of preserved specimens. The tutors, Stuart Ball and Roger Morris, have run this and other Diptera training courses for many years and are in the early stages of writing a new guide to Diptera. Date(s): Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 January 2016 Timings: 10am – 4pm 2 days for £55 Venue: Cambourne Trainer(s): Roger Morris and Stuart Ball

I ntroduction to Slugs and Snails

Everyone recognises slugs and snails as a group. They are amongst the most important decomposer organisms. Because most species are very poor dispersers, they are also excellent indicators of ancient woodland, grassland and wetland habitats. Almost all species can be reliably identified in the field with a hand-lens, and most with the naked eye. Date(s): Saturday 20 February 2016 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Priory Country Park Trainer(s): Brian Eversham

I dentification of Caddisfly Larvae

Caddisflies are the largest of the three orders of aquatic insects collectively known as ‘riverflies’. They are routinely monitored in rivers and still waters by regulatory organisations and volunteers, as a useful indicator of the health of freshwater ecosystems. Looking at the larval stages only, this course will familiarise participants with the 18 families of caddisflies known from Britain and Ireland. It will then give the opportunity to take identification through to species level, where this is possible. Advice on shortcuts and easy recognition will be provided. Date(s): Saturday 23 April 2016 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Ring Haw Field Station, Old Sulehay Trainer(s): Richard Chadd

More information on wildlife training workshops can be found at www.wildlifebcn.org WT wildlife training doc 2016.indd 23

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Invertebrates Image: Sawfly by John Pitt

umblebees: Identification B and monitoring

Easily recognisable as a genus, bumblebees can be difficult to identify to species. Learn more about the role these charismatic insects play, and how to contribute to monitoring the group.

I ntroduction to the Identification of Sawflies

This workshop is an introduction to the identification of adult sawflies (Hymenoptera Symphyta), dealing with identification to family level and to the most conspicuous and easily identifiable species. Copies of the AIDGAP key to families will be used on the day, and please bring along any specimens which you would like to work on. Date(s): Saturday 21 May 2016 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Old Sulehay Trainer(s): David Sheppard

E cology and Identification of Ladybirds

Come and learn to identify Britain’s 26 ladybird species and hear about the ecology of these fascinating beetles. The workshop will consist of a talk, light fieldwork and close-up examination of ladybirds indoors. The session should equip you to carry out ladybird surveys independently and to identify your finds with confidence. Date(s): Saturday 11 June 2016 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Cambourne Trainer(s): Peter Brown

n Introduction to Macro A Moth Identification

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 more about 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, rather than identification keys, and this workshop will be mostly classroom based using live specimens for the practical session. Date(s): Saturday 11 June 2016 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Pitsford Water nature reserve Trainer(s): Mischa Furfaro

Date(s): Sunday 12 June 2016 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Old Sulehay Trainer(s): Richard Comont

ragonfly Larvae D Identification for Beginners

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 12 June 2016 Timings: 10am – 5pm Venue: Wicken Fen Trainer(s): Henry Curry and Henry Stanier

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 18 June 2016 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Fulbourn Fen Trainer(s): Edgar Turner

Solitary Bees and Wasps

An introduction to the identification and ecology of solitary bees and wasps. The indoor introductory session will look at the major groups of solitary bees and wasps, using slides and mounted specimens. The equipment, books and other literature needed to identify species will be discussed and attempts made to key out species at least to genus, but microscopic study will be kept to a minimum. In the afternoon, the outdoor session will focus on searching for nesting and foraging habitats at Old Sulehay, looking for active bees and discussing their habitat requirements and conservation.

Date(s): Sunday 19 June 2016 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Old Sulehay Trainer(s): Adrian Knowles

I dentification of Longhorn and Soldier Beetles

This workshop covers two attractive groups of beetles, both of which are plentiful in our woods, and are colourful and distinctive, with elongate bodies. Longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae), are amongst the best-known of all forest beetles, frequently seen feeding on hawthorn, hogweed and bramble blossoms. There are about 50 British species. 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. They can be found in long grass, on low vegetation or on bushes and the leaves of trees, in early summer. Grasslands and rides within woodlands are among the best habitats for Soldier beetles. The two families together can be very helpful in evaluating and monitoring woodland, grassland and wetland habitats. Date(s): Saturday 25 June 2016 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Maulden Wood Trainer(s): Brian Eversham

Introducing Ground Beetles

The ground beetles (Carabidae) are an ideal group for the beginner to get to know, with around 350 species (about as diverse as birds in Britain). There are very good ‘habitat indicators’ in almost all habitats, from mountaintops to seashores, and they are readily sampled, both by pitfall trapping and by direct searching. With practice, almost all species can be identified alive, in the field, with a hand lens. The workshop will show participants how to recognise a ground beetle, and to place species in main groups. It will provide background in studying and identifying ground beetles, and interpreting the results of surveys. By the end of the workshop, participants should be able to identify the most important genera of ground beetles accurately using keys and a microscope, and will be able to use keys to identify to species level. Date(s): Saturday 2 July 2016 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Cambourne Trainer(s): Brian Eversham

More information on wildlife training workshops can be found at www.wildlifebcn.org WT wildlife training doc 2016.indd 24

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Botany C

dult Dragonflies and their A Habitat for Beginners

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 2 July 2016 Timings: 10am – 5pm Venue: Wicken Fen Trainer(s): Stuart Irons

ragonflies and D Damselflies: Identification, habitats and breeding

This course will introduce participants to the fascinating world of dragonflies and damselflies, their favoured habitats and the importance of establishing breeding. We will focus on species commonly found in Northants, Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire and the best habitat types. These beautiful insects are easy to observe, but can be confusing to identify. Combining an indoor presentation with an outdoor session at Irthlingborough Lakes and Meadows, participants will learn key skills to identify insects to species, understand their life-cycle and key habitat management requirements. Date(s): Saturday 9 July 2016 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Irthlingborough Lakes and Meadows Trainer(s): Mark Tyrrell

n Introduction to A Butterflies

Date(s): Saturday 23 July 2016 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Totternhoe Quarry Trainer(s): Edgar Turner

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 23 July 2016 Timings: 10am – 5pm Venue: Wicken Fen Trainer(s): Henry Curry

I dentification of Grasshoppers and Bushcrickets

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.

The 20 or so local species are almost all easy to identify and, by the end of the course, people should be able to recognise all of them by sight and many by sound. Ideal insects for monitoring they help to indicate several aspects of vegetation structure and management. They are an important part of the fauna of calcareous grassland, heathland and open, early successional habitats. Date(s): Saturday 6 August 2016 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Old Sulehay Trainer(s): Brian Eversham

I ntroduction to Wildflower Identification

Date(s): Sunday 22 May 2016 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Lings nature reserve Trainer(s): Brian Eversham

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 24 September 2016 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Irthlingborough Lakes and Meadows Trainer(s): Richard Chadd

I dentifying Sedges and their Allies

Many naturalists and gardeners divide the plant world into flowers and “the rest”, including grasses, sedges and rushes – the so-called “Graminoid Monocots”. 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 the wetter places in the British landscape (moors, marshes, bogs, fens, swamps etc), sedges are often dominant, and in the north, they are amongst the most diverse of plant families. 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 28 May 2016 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Flitwick Moor Trainer(s): Owen Mountford

I dentification and Ecology of Aquatic Plants

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, including many emergent species that may be present only in floating or submerged forms. Image: Lesser boatman by Brian Eversham

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, providing a unique insight into how this group has fared as our countryside has changed. 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.

Date(s): Saturday 16 July 2016 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Flitwick Moor Trainer: Owen Mountford

More information on wildlife training workshops can be found at www.wildlifebcn.org WT wildlife training doc 2016.indd 25

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Botany

Vertebrates

Image: Oxlip by Brian Eversham

Introduction to Wetland Birds

This workshop will concentrate on birds which use wetland environments. The indoor session will detail the way in which birds have adapted to wetland habitats and how this has determined their shapes and behaviour. Most of the day will be spent in the field at Titchmarsh nature reserve looking at the birds and how they use this beautiful nature reserve. Date(s): Saturday 27 February 2016 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Titchmarsh Trainer(s): Richard Chandler

Beginning with Garden Birds

How well do you know your garden birds? Which species are local to you and may come to your garden? Learn more about your resident birds and visitors, how and where they live as well as how to identify them. No previous knowledge is needed, suitable for beginners. Date(s): Saturday 26 March 2016 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Cambourne Trainer(s): Henry Stanier and Christine Donnelly

ow to Survey Aquatic H Plants

Learn the survey techniques for monitoring aquatic and bankside plants. During the workshop you will also learn to identify a number of commonly found aquatic plant species. Date(s): Saturday 13 August 2016 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Ramsey Heights/Woodwalton Fen Trainer: Josh Hellon

I ntroduction to Wildflower Identification II

This workshop is intended for people who have attended an introductory workshop or who have a little experience with these groups, but would like to practice more in using identification keys, and getting to know the essentials of flower anatomy. By the end of the workshop, participants should be more confident in using identification keys and other resources such as floras, and in working out what we can recognise, and which species need a more detailed approach. Date(s): Sunday 21 August 2016 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Lings nature reserve Trainer: Brian Eversham

ater Voles and Other W Riverside Mammals

Find out more about riverside mammals including water vole, otter and Daubenton’s bat. The day will start with an indoor session looking at ecology, field signs and current local status, and will include a field trip to look for signs. Date(s): Saturday 2 April 2016 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Cambourne Trainer(s): Ruth Hawksley and Iain Webb

I ntroduction to Amphibians

The workshop will cover the identification, life histories and habitats of our native amphibians and surveying for the protected great crested newt including health and safety and legislation. Participants will gain experience in assessing habitats and surveying for great crested newts on this former brickyard. Date(s): Saturday 9 April 2016 Timings: 3.15pm – 9pm Venue: Ramsey Heights Trainer(s): Helen and Terry Moore

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. ‘Tracks’ could include those of the larger mammals like badgers, foxes, otters and deer, but will hopefully include the smaller mammals like hedgehogs and water voles – all may depend on the weather. ‘Signs’ can be a very wide variety of things, including droppings, hair, fur, feeding signs (like holes in nuts and gnawed fir cones and tree bark) and ‘homes’ including badger setts and water vole burrows. Date(s): Saturday 16 April 2016 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Hayley Wood Trainer(s): Peter Pilbeam

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): Saturday 7 May 2016 only £25 Timings: 7am – 12pm Venue: Ramsey Heights/Woodwalton Fen Trainer(s): Tony Fulford

An Introduction to Reptiles

This workshop will introduce participants to the identification of reptiles in the field, demonstrate where to look for them and how to encourage them to occupy favourable habitats. It is hoped that participants will come to appreciate and understand them rather than fear them. Date(s): Sunday 8 May 2016 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Stockgrove Country Park and Rammamere Heath Trainer(s): Helen Muir-Howie and Matt Andrews

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): August 2016 Timings: 5pm – 10.30pm Venue: See website for further details Trainer(s): Henry Stanier and Christine Donnelly

More information on wildlife training workshops can be found at www.wildlifebcn.org WT wildlife training doc 2016.indd 26

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Practical Skills Image: Common shrew by Paul Adams

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) and timings: Saturday 23 January 2016 (10am – 4pm) Sunday 24 January 2016 (10am – 4pm) Venue: Grafham Water Trainer(s): Aidan Matthews and Greg Belcher

Charcoal Making

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.

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 Fermyn Woods and the surrounding area to check dormouse boxes (this does not guarantee a sighting of a dormouse). Date(s): Sunday 14 August 2016 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Brigstock Trainer(s): Paul Manchester and Henry Stanier

mall Mammals – S identification and surveying

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 15 October 2016 (5pm – 6.30pm) Sunday 16 October 2016 (8am – 1pm) Venue: Paxton Pits Trainer(s): Peter Pilbeam

Date(s): Sunday 15 May 2016 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Grafham Water Trainer(s): Aidan Matthews and Greg Belcher

Spoon Carving

Learn to carve spoons from green (unseasoned) wood using traditional axe and knife techniques. No previous experience is necessary, and the course is suitable for complete beginners. All tools and materials will be provided. By the end of the day you will have learnt the skills and knowledge to safely carve your own spoons. Date(s): Sunday 27 March 2016 Timings: 10am – 5pm £ Price TBC Venue: Cambourne Trainer(s): Mark Ricketts

Image: Hedgelaying by Aidan Mathews

More information on wildlife training workshops can be found at www.wildlifebcn.org WT wildlife training doc 2016.indd 27

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Image: Fox in churchyard by Jamie Hall

Basic Ecology Skills BES 1 – Species and Habitats (including habitat classification) C

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 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 24 April 2016 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Cambourne Trainer(s): Brian Eversham

BES 2 – Habitat Management and Monitoring C

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 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.

anaging Churchyards M for Wildlife

This workshop will cover the importance of churchyards for wildlife and what you can do to enhance yours. This will include handy tips, a practical session, questions and answers and a site visit to St Rumbalds in Stoke Doyle. Date(s): Saturday 30 July 2016 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Stoke Doyle Trainer(s): Matt Johnson and Lisa Rowley

eginning with Landscape: B Geology

An introduction to geology and the effect that the underlying rocks have on landscape character and biodiversity. Although the focus will be on local and other UK landscapes, the general links between geology and wildlife worldwide will be covered briefly. Includes a look at the formation of rocks and landforms, as well as examples of rock types. Date(s): Thursday 13 & Thursday 20 October 2016 Timings: 7pm – 9pm Venue: Cambourne only £18 Trainer(s): Christine Donnelly

Image: Sheep browsing by Jane Pearman

Date(s): Saturday 1 October 2016 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Cambourne Trainer(s): Brian Eversham

Cover image: by Kevin Rowley

More information on wildlife training workshops can be found at www.wildlifebcn.org WT wildlife training doc 2016.indd 28

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