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Days
Level
FM I 28-30 Aug
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