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CONCERTS FESTIVALS SPORTS NIGHTLIFE THEATER

Habitat Indicator Species

Tuesday, 15 Jun 2021 @ 10:00 Past Event
Habitat Indicator Species
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A two-day course giving participants

the skills and confidence to assess habitats, both in terms of type and quality.

the ability to identify indicator species

an overview of some key Phase I and NVC communities

a chance to do quadrat sampling and share ideas with colleagues

a chance to see a broad range of lowland habitat types including improved and unimproved grassland, calcareous grassland, wet meadows, acid grassland, heathland and mire communities

The purpose of much botanical survey is to tell us what is going on in the landscape around us is it being over-managed, or unmanaged? Has the land been subject to agricultural improvement? What type of soil is it? Is it a habitat which is likely to support a wide range of species?

These courses cover the basics of habitat assessment, from Phase I through to the very basics of the National Vegetation Classification system. In particular, we will become familiar with the key indicator species, which immediately tell you what sort of habitat you are in and point you in the right direction for final classification. We will look at a range of acid grassland, sandy grassland, heathland, wet flush and mire types and look at how they can be identified using a range of key species. There will be discussion about Phase I methodology and use of target notes, and the application of the NVC to habitat assessment.

Whilst aimed at beginners, these courses are more likely to be enjoyed with a basic level of prior plant ID skills, and they form an ideal follow-on from the training courses earlier in the year.

Tutor: Dominic Price

About the tutor:

Dominic Price is a highly regarded botanical tutor and has been running courses for all levels of ecologists since 2007. He is director of The Species Recovery Trust and specialises in the conservation of endangered species. He is the author of A Field Guide to Grasses, Sedges and Rushes and co-author of The Photographic Guide to Winter Trees and Shrubs. He is also a committed wearer of sandals.

Schedule

Day 1 This day will focus on calcareous and neutral grasslands, covering species-rich chalk grassland, species-poor improved grassland and marshy grassland on the Avon Floodplain 10.00 Welcome and start. 10.10 First tutorial session improved grassland 10.45 Mesotrophic and chalk grassland 12.30 Lunch (or shorter if weather bad) 1.15 Wet grassland on the Avon Valley3.10 Return to Old Sarum for practical exercise3.45/4.00 Departure (depending on how quickly weve got through stuff)

Day 2 This day will focus on acidic habitats, covering the key species which make up acid grassland, dry and wet heath, and mire and bog habitats. 10.00 Introduction to Heathland and Acid Grassland grasses at High Corner12.30 Lunch at High Corner Inn 1.20 Walk to Woodford Bottom for revision session and look at blanket bog 4pm Depart

We shall be using the area of heath and valley mire around the High Corner Inn at Linwood. We shall have lunch at the pub, and while this is not compulsory, please consider doing so to allow us to use their facilities! (they are also happy for people to use the loos on arrival in the morning). There are a good range of affordable options available on the menu, and it gives us a chance to escape the elements if they are unfavourable.

What to bring

Water, snacks, firm boots (some steep banks). Please wear long trousers for the second day to minimise exposure to ticks (on this day there is a short amount of walking involved, and some ground will be boggy).

Day 1 please bring packed lunch, there is the option to get a pub lunch on the second day.

£3 for parking at Old Sarum (contactless payment available)

The recommended text for the course is 'A Field Guide to Grasses, Sedges and Rushes' by Dominic Price. Available to purchase on the day , or in advance here.

Any problems on the day please call Dominic Price on (07968) 786390.

Please inform us of any relevant medical requirements/conditions we should be aware of prior to the course.

Lifts available from Salisbury station on request.

Directions

Day 1

Old Sarum is signed off the A345, 2 miles north of Salisbury. Meet in the main car park (where there are loos). Address: Castle Road, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP1 3SD. There is a £3 charge for parking (contactless payment available).Google maps - click here

Day 2

Follow signs to the High Corner Inn and then pull into the High Corner carpark in the left, before driving down the hill to the pub. If this carpark is full, or you wish to use the loos, continue down to the pub carpark and you can walk back up (about 400m distance).

Google map link here

Feedback from previous courses

'Dom is always a fantastic source of knowledge, and brilliant at teaching it'

'The recap sessions throughout the day really helped us to consolidate what we had been taught, making us a lot more likely to remember the species we were taught.'

'Dominic's fun and useful teaching style. He doesn't get to bogged down with to many technical terms'

'Relaxed nature of presentation with useful ways to remember identification methods. It was useful to have time to do the transects as this helped to practise our ID skills'

'Dom's approach to teaching - relaxed, engaging and knowledgable as ever'

'Mr.Price and his patient and simple approach to field ID.'
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