2017
Wildlife Training Workshops
Discover more about natural history and the varied wildlife and habitats of Bedfordshire, Ca mbridgeshire and Northa mptonshire
Lower Plants Invertebrates Bryophyte by Brian Eversham
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n Introduction A to Fly Families 2 fullforweekends £110
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): S aturday 14 and Sunday 15 January 2017 Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 January 2017 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: R ing Haw Field Station, Old Sulehay nature reserve Trainer(s): Roger Morris and Stuart Ball
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Mosses and Liverworts
Mosses and liverworts (bryophytes) are beautiful plants but they are small, and observation of fine detail is needed to appreciate and to identify them. We will look at a range of specimens, at low magnification to start with. Then there will be an introduction to the microscopical techniques used for examining mosses to see the features needed for accurate identification. This course is particularly suitable for people who wish to progress beyond recognition of “easy” species in the field; a rudimentary acquaintance with bryophytes is desirable. Date(s): Saturday 4 March 2017 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Pitsford Water nature reserve Trainer(s): Rachel Carter
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Heathland Lichens
Thanks to funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Greensand Country Landscape Partnership, places for this workshop will initially be prioritised for people working and volunteering in the Greensand Country in Bedfordshire. Any remaining places not taken, will then be opened to all comers (check website for details).
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. Date(s): Saturday 4 February 2017, 10am – 4pm Sunday 5 February 2017, 10am – 4pm Venue: Ring Haw Field Station, Old Sulehay Trainer(s): Roger Morris and Stuart Ball
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Freshwater Bivalves
Species-level identification training for Unionidae, Sphaeriidae, Driessenidae and other bivalves currently present in the UK. The training will focus on identification, but will also include detail on ecological requirements. A reference collection will be available for use and the programme may potentially include a short field trip to collect specimens and demonstrate sampling techniques (dependent on the weather).
Identification of Water Bugs
With around 67 species, water bugs are an ideal introduction into identifying aquatic invertebrates, whether you are formally recording, pond dipping with children or just interested in understanding more about what’s in your garden pond. This workshop will provide an introduction to identifying adult water bugs to species level using a mix of recognition features and identification keys looking at prepared samples. There will also be a local field trip to collect and identify live specimens. By the end of the course you should be able to identify some of the local easily recognisable species, understand the family groups and use keys to identify to species level. Date(s): Saturday 18 March 2017 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: L ings local nature reserve Trainer(s): Kevin Rowley and Graham Warnes
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Introducing Beetles
Beetles, order Coleoptera, are among the most diverse and important invertebrates, with over 4000 British species. They are excellent ‘habitat indicators’, from mountain-tops to sea-shores, and can indicate the continuity of habitats in ancient woodlands, for instance. Many species are readily sampled, both by trapping and by direct searching with sweep nets and beating trays. With practice, the majority of species can be identified alive, in the field, with a hand lens. The workshop will show participants how to recognise a beetle, and to distinguish the commoner and more species-rich families, such as groundbeetles, weevils, leaf-beetles and rove-beetles. It will provide background in studying and identifying beetles. By the end of the course, participants should be able to identify the most important families of beetles accurately using keys and a microscope, and will be able to use keys to identify to species level. Date(s): Saturday 10 June 2017 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Old Sulehay nature reserve Trainer(s): Brian Eversham
Date(s): Saturday 11 March 2017 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Old Sulehay nature reserve Trainer(s): Nina Birkby and Alex Pickwell
Date(s): Sunday 12 March 2017 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Cooper’s Hill Trainer(s): Brian Eversham
More information on wildlife training workshops can be found at www.wildlifebcn.org
Bivalve by Brian Eversham
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.
n Introduction to A 2 days for £60 Hoverflies
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Dragonfly Larvae 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 11 June 2017 Timings: 10am – 5pm Venue: Wicken Fen Trainer(s): Henry Curry and Henry Stanier
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Identification of Earthworms
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 back in the laboratory. Participants will then begin identifying the worms collected that day, and results will be uploaded to the national database, in addition to using some test material brought along by the trainers, so there will be a large range of species to identify and familiarise yourselves with. Date(s): TBC (check website) Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Cooper’s Hill Trainer(s): Emma Sherlock and Kieron Brown
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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 24 June 2017 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Fulbourn Fen Trainer(s): Edgar Turner
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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 Cooper’s Hill, looking for active bees and discussing their habitat requirements and conservation. Thanks to funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Greensand Country Landscape Partnership, places for this workshop will initially be prioritised for people working and volunteering in the Greensand Country in Bedfordshire. Any remaining places not taken, will then be opened to all comers (check website for details). Date(s): Sunday 25 June 2017 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Cooper’s Hill Trainer(s): Adrian Knowles
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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): Sunday 2 July 2017 Timings: 10am – 5pm Venue: Wicken Fen Trainer(s): Stuart Irons
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I ntermediate – Bumblebee Identification
Easily recognisable as a genus, bumblebees can be difficult to identify to species. Learn how to identify workers, queens and males of all 25 British species, then see how many you can find out in the field. Date(s): Saturday 8 July 2017 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Old Sulehay nature reserve Trainer(s): Richard Comont
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Identification of Land Bugs
Terrestrial bugs are amongst the most numerous of insects encountered in the summer months. and live in a wide range of habitats, with varied lifestyles. With only a few hundred species, they are a conveniently sized group for study, many identified in the field with the naked eye. They are inherently interesting, useful in site assessment, and are proving very sensitive to climate change; formerly restricted species are spreading, and new ones arrive quite frequently. This workshop will introduce the group and the sampling methods most useful for recording it, including fieldwork to aim to find and identify as many species as time and circumstances permit. Emphasis will be placed on field techniques and field identification, but a selection of bugs, and members of difficult groups, will be taken back for microscopic examination. By the end of the day, participants should know how and where to look for bugs, be familiar with the more frequently encountered families, know characteristics to look for, and be able to tackle identification keys with at least a modicum of confidence. Date(s): Saturday 22 July 2017 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Old Sulehay nature reserve Trainer(s): Peter Kirby
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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 22 July 2017 Timings: 10am – 5pm Venue: Wicken Fen Trainer(s): Henry Curry
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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 17 September 2017 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Old Sulehay nature reserve Trainer(s): Lawrence Bee
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I ntroduction to Wildflower Identification
Fenland Plants by Brian Eversham
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Botany High Wood by The Wildlife Trust
Invertebrates
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): Saturday 15 July 2017 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Totternhoe Quarry Trainer: Brian Eversham
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Wildflowers of Woodland
The flowers of woodlands may be thought of as representing the “natural” vegetation of lowland England, but the importance of forest products (timber, fruit, fungi and game) means that human management over centuries has strongly affected the places woodland flowers grow and in what combinations. Much of the day will be spent in a fine example of the boulder-clay woodland that characterises the old boundary between Cambridgeshire and Huntingdonshire. We will explore the variety of woodland flora, and see how past history and conservation action are reflected on the woodland floor. The day will also include class sessions supplying the background with which to understand what we observe in the field. The day should mean that participants can not only identify the most important plants of shady places, but also what their presence may tell them about ecology and history.
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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): Saturday 29 July 2017 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Totternhoe Quarry Trainer: Brian Eversham
Date(s): Saturday 22 April 2017 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Buff Wood Trainer(s): Owen Mountford
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Introduction to Grasses
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Fenland Plants
The Fenland basin, between Cambridge and Lincoln and from Peterborough to King’s Lynn was once a great wetland complex with water, swamps, wet woodlands and local bogs, as well as true fen – a mire on neutral or base-rich peat. Now the remnants of this wet wonderland are confined to a few great nature reserves, or sparingly in old pits and within the drains and their banks that dissect the farmed landscape. Woodwalton Fen is amongst the best sites to get an understanding of what the original Fenland might have been like, and there are many plant species which are now largely confined to places like Woodwalton within Fenland. This course will focus on understanding the different plant communities that comprise (semi-) natural fens, the species that make up these communities and the factors such as water-regime and management that shape the patterns. Much of the time will be spent on the old fen at Woodwalton, getting to know the key species, some of the specialities and the impact of historical exploitation and modern conservation action. We will also have talks that introduce fens and Fenland and give an insight into the old nature reserve and the re-created habitats of the Great Fen. At the end of the course, participants should recognise a range of Fenland plants and have an understanding of how this dynamic landscape and its habitats are interrelated. Date(s): Saturday 5 August 2017 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Ramsey Heights/Woodwalton Fen Trainer(s): Owen Mountford
Grasses, the plant family Poaceae (formerly Gramineae) are among the most important flowering plants, ubiquitous in almost all habitats. Their structure, co-evolved with grazing animals, adapts them well to mowing as well as grazing, so they dominate pastureland and meadows. The aim of this workshop is to learn about the structure of grasses, including their beautiful if subtle flowers, and be able to identify common grasses in the field using a hand lens. A short guide to recognising the most distinctive species, and keys to flowering and vegetative features will be presented, so participants can begin to identify grasses at any time of year.
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Willows, Sallow and Osiers
Willows are our most important family of wetland trees and shrubs. Often considered a difficult group, a single day is sufficient to become familiar with the principle species and common hybrids in our area. By looking first at samples, a simple-to-use key to the local species should enable participants to identify most species quickly and easily.
Date(s): Saturday 1 July 2017 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Cambourne Trainer(s): Brian Eversham
Date(s): Saturday 19 August 2017 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Cambourne Trainer: Brian Eversham Daisy by Brian Eversham
More information on wildlife training workshops can be found at www.wildlifebcn.org
More information on wildlife training workshops can be found at www.wildlifebcn.org
Vertebrates This workshop will be very informal, and will discuss and describe the waders that occur in the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire area. Topics will include identification, ageing, breeding and other behaviour (such as feeding), migration, both generally, and in the local context. The discussion will be illustrated by a wide range of photographs of the waders themselves and their behaviour. Questions will be very welcome. Date(s): Sunday 12 March 2017 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Summer Leys nature reserve Trainer(s): Richard Chandler
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This two day workshop is aimed to give a good background to people who wish to learn about identifying birds by their song and appearance. We will make a number of visits to habitats in and around Lings nature reserve to practice listening and identifying birds in addition to indoors sessions. Suitable for complete beginners and people wishing to refresh or develop their skills. Date(s): S aturday 29 April 2017, 10am – 4pm Saturday 6 May 2017, 8am – 2pm Venue: Lings local nature reserve Trainer(s): Paul Gosling 2 days for £50
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I ntroduction to Bird Identification and Bird Song
This two day workshop is aimed to give a good background to people who wish to learn about identifying birds by their song and appearance. We will make a number of visits to habitats in and around Ramsey Heights to practice listening and identifying birds in addition to indoors sessions. Suitable for complete beginners and people wishing to refresh or develop their skills. Date(s): S aturday 25 March 2017, 10am – 4pm Sunday 2 April 2017, 6am – 12pm Venue: Ramsey Heights 2 days for £50 Trainer(s): Tony Fulford
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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.
I ntroduction to Bird Identification and Bird Song
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 13 May 2017 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: The Riddy Trainer(s): Richard Lawrence
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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. Only £30 Date(s): Sunday 21 May 2017 Timings: 7am – 12pm Venue: Summer Leys nature reserve Trainer(s): Paul Gosling
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Introduction to Bats
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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 5 August 2017 Timings: 5pm – 10.30pm Venue: Ramsey Heights Trainer(s): Henry Stanier and Christine Donnelly
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Introduction to Dormice
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Hedgelaying Weekend
2 days for £60
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. Date(s): Saturday 28 January 2017, 10am – 4pm Sunday 29 January 2017, 10am – 4pm Venue: Grafham Water Trainer(s): Aidan Matthews and Greg Belcher
Date(s): Sunday 13 August 2017 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Fermyn Woods 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.
I ntroduction to Digital Photography
Have you just brought a new digital SLR camera and not sure how to use it, especially to take close-up shots of flowers? Do you struggle with macro and close-up photography? Do you rely on automatic modes built into the camera? Do you want to achieve better results from your wildlife photographic efforts but are confused by how all those camera settings work? If so, then this workshop is just for you. Run by a professional wildlife photographer with a healthy mix of classroom and practical session, the aim is to provide a relaxing and comfortable setting where you can learn more about your camera and how to take stunning photographs. You will need a digital SLR camera for this workshop. Date(s): Sunday 11 June 2017 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Old Sulehay nature reserve Trainer(s): Bob Brind-Surch
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Gardening for Wildlife
Learn how to make your garden more wildlife friendly with this interactive day, includes learning about the diverse variety of species you can attract to your garden and how to entice them in! The workshop includes a visit to an established wildlife garden. Date(s): Sunday 30 April 2017 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Northampton Trainer(s): Joe Francis and Caroline Tait
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eadow Ecology and M Conservation
The workshop will focus on the ecology and conservation of floodplain meadows and will include site visits to two meadows in the Northampton area. The indoor session will look at the ecology, management and conservation of floodplain meadows as well as botanical and hydrological monitoring techniques. The afternoon site visits will look at a SSSI meadow and a recently created meadow. The site visits will cover survey techniques, botanical ID skills and comparisons of differing management and restoration techniques. Date(s): Saturday 17 June 2017 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Bugbrooke reserve/Dovecote meadows Trainer(s): Matt Johnson and Stuart Baker
Date(s): S aturday 30 September 2017, 5pm – 7.30pm Sunday 1 October 2017, 8am – 1pm Venue: Flitwick Moor Trainer(s): Richard Lawrence
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Avocets by Damian Waters
Date(s): Saturday 1 April 2017 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Felmersham Trainer(s): Richard Lawrence
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Date(s): Saturday 14 January 2017 Timings: 10am – 5pm Venue: Cambourne Trainer(s): Mark Ricketts
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).
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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.
Image by Henry Stanier
L ocal Waders and their Behaviour
Habitat Management Image by Nathalie Hueber
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Practical Skills
L andscape and Ecology of the Fens
Having experienced some of Britain’s most dynamic landscape changes in the recent past, the Fens are now recovering much of their ecological value, particularly in the Great Fen. Learn about the formation of the fenland landscapes, the changes over time and their associated fauna and flora, both past and present. In liaison with the Cambridgeshire Geological Society’s Fen Edge Trail. Date(s): Saturday 12 August 2017 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Yaxley Trainer(s): Christine Donnelly
More information on wildlife training workshops can be found at www.wildlifebcn.org
More information on wildlife training workshops can be found at www.wildlifebcn.org
Basic Ecology Skills BES 1 – Species and Habitats (including habitat classification)
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): Saturday 16 September 2017 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Lings local nature reserve Trainer(s): Brian Eversham
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Coppicing by The Wildlife Trust
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Cover images: Man with binoculars by Suzanna Bird Dormouse by Danny Green Willow warbler by Bob Coyle
ES 2 – Habitat B Management and Monitoring
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. Date(s): Saturday 30 September 2017 Timings: 10am – 4pm Venue: Lings local nature reserve Trainer(s): Brian Eversham
More information on wildlife training workshops can be found at www.wildlifebcn.org
Linking in with the Training Workshops programme in Northants this year, NBRC’s WILDside project will offer lots of opportunities for additional tuition, mentoring sessions and the chance to put your developing skills to the test. Whether you’re just starting out with recording wildlife, want to monitor a particular reserve, local wildlife area or your own back garden, if you live in or near to Northamptonshire, WILDside will have plenty to offer you during 2017–18. There’s never been a better time to extend your identification skills or get involved with recording in the county. Whether your focus is on learning more about particular species groups, survey methods for different habitats or new techniques, or you want your nature observations to help build a better information base to make a positive difference for wildlife, WILDside has opportunities for you:
• countywide surveys to help broaden your knowledge and fill ‘gaps in the map’ • classroom and field teaching sessions – helping to reinforce your knowledge
See NBRC’s website for more details and keep an eye on the WTBCN Training Workshops webpage for information about WILDside learning opportunities. Northamptonshire Biodiversity Records Centre Lings House, Billing Lings, Northampton. NN3 8BE
• local wildlife site ‘expeditions’ – adding to our knowledge of key sites
Tel: 01604 400448
• the chance to use your own experience to mentor and enthuse others
E-mail: nbrc@northantsbrc.org.uk
and much more besides.
Fax: 01604 784835