Overview:
This course is designed to raise awareness of identifying Priority Habitat when looking at sites in relation to Tree Planting.
There will be a Welcome & Introduction before you are taken on a field walk to further raise awareness of habitat indicators, field signs and management challenges/suitability.
Objectives:
Identify Priority Habitats in Upland Areas– Participants will learn how to recognise key priority habitats, such as neutral grassland, bogs, acid grassland, flushes, heath, and rush pasture during the field walks.
Assess Habitat Suitability for Planting – Participants will evaluate site conditions and determine if a location is suitable for planting in relation to the existing habitats and ecological considerations.
Understand the Implications of Priority Habitat Identification – Participants will explore the consequences of identifying priority habitats, including how it affects land management decisions, such as planting and conservation efforts.
Develop Ecological Survey and Habitat Assessment Skills – Participants will practice using transects and other survey techniques to assess different habitats in upland areas and interpret the findings to inform management actions.
Apply Field Knowledge to Habitat Management – By observing natural regeneration and habitat diversity, participants will learn how to apply ecological principles to manage upland habitats effectively, with a focus on balancing planting and conservation.
Collaborate and Reflect on Fieldwork – Through group activities and discussions, participants will refine their understanding of priority habitats, assess site suitability for planting, and reflect on the broader ecological and management implications during final feedback and questions.
Programme
9.00 Registration and Welcome Refreshments
9.25 Welcome & Introduction of Trainers
9.30 Course Introduction
9.45 Head to site 1 for field walk
10.00 Site one activity; transects looking at neutral grassland
11:00 Site one activity; transects looking at bog habitat
12.00 Head to site 2
12:15 Lunch
13.00 Site two activity; walk looking at acid grassland, flushes and heath, and natural regeneration of upland heath
15:00 Site two activity; walk looking at rush pasture and transects in acid grassland
16:00 Final Questions & Feedback
16.30 Depart
Speakers
Dr Joe Hope is a farmer by accident! Before coming to mid Wales, he lived in Scotland with a career as an ecologist and conservationist. After completing his PhD in forest landscape dynamics with Stirling University and the Forestry Commission, he worked for the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh as a lichen specialist and as an ecologist for Forest Research in Roslin. He came back to Wales in search of a conservation project, but having fallen in love with an upland farm named Cefn Coch Farm near Machynlleth, he realised that the best way to nurture the land’s biodiversity involved buying the farm and keeping cattle, and so the journey into nature-friendly farming began. Joe currently works with Grace Crabb conducting specialist surveys in bog and upland vegetation. Grace and Joe are also specialist surveyors for Eryri National Park ancient celtic woodlands.
Grace Crabb ACIEEM MSc has worked in Mid and North Wales specialising in upland ecology, water management and woodlands for over 20 years. Former head of department at Centre for Alternative Technology managing the woodlands, conservation and water systems and teaching courses in ecology and conservation, Grace now runs her own company. Crabb and Co Ecology specialises in woodland management, upland and bog habitats. Grace works with Eryri National Park, Woodland Trust, LIFEquake and private forestry clients.
Who should attend?
Suitable for people who are involved in the process of Woodland Creation from Planning to implementation (planting).
Point of contact
If you have any issues booking this event please contact - info@focusonforestryfirst.co.uk
If you are having trouble paying using your credit or Debit Card, please see our Quick Guide.
Cost (Booking Fee)
£125 + VAT Per Person
Please read our Terms & Conditions before booking.
Additional Information
Please wear clothing and footwear suitable for the weather and terrain. Much of the session will be held outdoors.
Refreshments will be provided, but please bring your own packed lunch.