The course will include a blended approach of classroom and practical outdoor sessions.
Course breakdown:
- Welcome and Introductions
- Classroom session:
- Introduction to the Reconnecting Bernwood, Otmoor, and the Ray project
- How to identify and find brown hairstreak eggs
- Survey methodology
- Break
- Outdoor session to find eggs
- How to record your findings
- Assigning you to a farm to survey
- End
Following the course participants will be expected to undertake in targeted surveys using the methods learned throughout the day to record Hairstreak butterflies and report back to project staff via iRecord.
This course is part of the Reconnecting Bernwood Otmoor Ray project, made possible thanks to National Lottery Heritage Fund.
All necessary equipment will be provided. Please wear warm clothing for the outdoor session, as it might be cold. Bring waterproof clothing in case of rain, and wear suitable footwear (e.g., walking boots or wellies) for the outdoor sessions, as the terrain may be wet and uneven. Parking is available at the Millennium Hall. We may travel to nearby Bernwood Meadows to find hairstreak eggs if we cannot find any in the hall’s grounds. This travel will be in your own car or car sharing between attendees.
Please note that the end time of the event is approximate and is weather dependent.
