Survey
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Days Level FM I 1 –3 May Centre Shared occupancy cost Fri – Sun £305 £285 £222 Sole occupancy Non-Residential cost cost Date Otters, Water Voles and Other Riverside Mammals The location of many of John Constable’s paintings, Flatford Mill runs over 120 Natural History and Arts courses in a unique and tranquil learning environment. Course Overview This course is a comprehensive introduction to the natural history, ecology and conservation of native riverside mammals (including Biodiversity Action Plan species such as otter and water vole) and their interactions with naturalised introductions such as American mink. It also covers riverside survey techniques, how to evaluate field evidence and the requirements for creating and maintaining habitats to ensure effective conservation of native species. Course Description This short course will introduce you to the ecology and conservation of otters, water voles and associated riparian species. It will also provide an opportunity to develop surveying and monitoring skills for the species. The water vole has undergone a catastrophic decline in population and distribution across the UK over the past two decades due to a variety of factors including predation by invasive North American Mink. Over the same period otter populations have recovered from near extinction and are expanding across their former range. During the weekend we shall cover the following topics through a combination of extensive sessions out in the field and indoor talks: The ecology of otters, water voles and associated species. Standard survey methodologies, field signs and the accurate differentiation of water voles and otters from similar species. Tel: 01206 297110 E-mail: [email protected] Fax: 01206 298892 Otters, Water Voles and Other Riverside mmals Habitat management and mitigation techniques. Mink and their impact on water vole, including monitoring and control of this invasive species. The proposed programme for the weekend is as follows: Friday evening 1945 – 2045 Introductions and course outline presentation Saturday 0900 – 1030 Unit 1 presentation: Water vole survey and ecology 1030-1630 Field trip: Practical water vole surveying in small stream, grazing marsh and reedbed type habitat. 1945 – 2045 Unit 2 presentation: Water vole conservation and issues with mink Sunday 0900 - 1030 Unit 3 presentation: Otter survey, ecology and conservation techniques 1030 - 1530 Field trip: Practical otter and water vole surveying on a main river (attempt to observe water voles in the wild) 1530 – 1600 Debrief in the classroom and final Q&A This course is suitable for ecologists, naturalists, surveyors, wetland or riparian land managers and those working on projects that may impact on otters and water voles. Fieldwork may involve walks of up to 3km on uneven ground along river corridors. Although this is not an accredited course, it is suitable for CPD (Continuing Professional Development) and a Certificate of Attendance can be provided on request. About the Tutor Darren Tansley is the Water for Wildlife Officer at Essex Wildlife Trust and has been surveying and studying riparian mammal populations for fourteen years. He is the Wildlife Trust’s representative on the UK Water Vole Steering Group and is the co-author of a new book on the Mammals of Essex. His work for the Wildlife Trust includes co-ordinating the annual Essex Otter Survey and the Essex Water Vole Recovery Project. What to Bring A good selection of warm and weatherproof clothing (in natural colours if possible please), plus a pair of wellingtons, are required for the field activities. Bring things you don’t mind getting a bit grubby. Please bring a pair of gardening gloves or similar for handling vegetation. Binoculars and a digital camera may be useful. Reading materials on this subject will be made available for use over the weekend, but please bring any of your own books which you like to use. Tel: 01206 297110 E-mail: [email protected] Fax: 01206 298892 Residential course fee includes: Full board accommodation including cooked breakfast, picnic lunch, homemade cakes and an evening meal. Vegetarian and other dietary option available. Up to 8 hours teaching time a day, plus relaxing breaks for meals and refreshments. Tea and coffee making facilities available throughout the day. Use of resources including library, workrooms, studios and the Centre grounds. Transport during the courses. Insurance to cover cancellation, personal belongings, personal accident, legal liability and medical emergency. Otters, Water Voles and Other Riverside ammals What the Fee Includes If you choose to be a non-resident on a residential course, the fee will include all the above except accommodation and breakfast. Start and Finish times Afternoon tea is available from 1600 on Friday, but the first formal activity is dinner at 1900 (with the bar open from 1845!). Residents: Please aim to arrive between 1600 and 1800 on Friday to allow us sufficient time to show you to your accommodation and around the communal areas. Non-residents: You do not need to arrive quite so early but please can you be here by 1800 as we need to show you the communal areas as well. The course will end at 1600 on Sunday. How to book Bookings can be made by telephoning the Centre; we are open 0930 – 1700 weekdays and most weekends. Alternatively, bookings can be made via our website: www.field-studies-council.org. Tel: 01206 297110 E-mail: [email protected] Fax: 01206 298892