Phase 1 Habitat Survey (2 days)

This very popular 2 day course will benefit ecologists, land managers, foresters, rangers, planners, environmental consultants and students. The main focus of the course will be to introduce participants to Phase 1 Survey methods and how to use the handbook. The course will provide participants with supervised tuition on how to correctly assess a habitat type using the Phase 1 survey methodology and understand how the information can be used. The course will also touch upon the relationship of this survey method with other classifications, most notably UKHabs and the National Vegetation Classification (NVC) systems.

This two day course will add to your CV and CPD and will help you gain employment within ecological and environmental consultancies and other environmental agencies.

We will be outdoors in the field for a large amount of the time and It is likely that this will involve some rough walking over the open hill in places. Come prepared for a day in the hills!

Day 1.

• What are Phase 1 habitat surveys and how are they are used.
• Identify and record habitat types, looking at UKHabs and NVC too.
• Record field and target notes
• Prepare a Phase 1 Habitat map
• Classroom based and field work
• Phase 1 Habitat mapping pencils will be provided along with clipboards and maps for those who wish to use these (the course will cover digital mapping methods but the course is NOT aimed at training attendees in the use of such software).

Day 2.

• Further practical fieldwork, including further Phase One habitat survey work to consolidate the first day’s learning.
• Classroom based and field work

Field trips will be at various locations within a 10 mile radius of Stirling, including Bannockburn and Dumyat. Participants with vehicles may be asked to use their vehicle and car share with other participants if possible during field trips. It would be useful for us to know when booking if you will be using their own vehicle and if you can offer someone a space.

What to bring with you -

• ESSENTIAL - A copy of the JNCC Handbook for Phase 1 Habitat - free download https://hub.jncc.gov.uk/assets/9578d07b-e018-4c66-9c1b-47110f14df2a
• Packed lunch and drink
• Notebook and pen
• Grass and flowering plant field guide,
• A camera, hand-lens, binoculars, GPS if you have one
• Rucksack, waterproof jacket and trousers, stout walking boots or wellingtons.

For those participants with no or little prior botanical knowledge, it is recommended that they read the Phase 1 handbook prior to the course and acquaint themselves with key plant names listed within each habitat category. This will allow them to gain more from the weekend as some knowledge of plant species is advantageous.

Trainer details - Lindsay Mackinlay is an ecologist with over 30 years experience, having worked as an ecologist in a wide variety of organisations, including Scottish Natural Heritage, the National Trust for Scotland, and as a self-employed consultant (Parnassus Ecology). He is now Head of Ecology at the Future Forest Company. With extensive experience in EIA and planning work, and habitat and protected species management, he also has in-depth experience of Phase 1 and other field surveys and has been mentoring professionals in survey and species identification skills for over 20 years. He is a full member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM).

Cost - £130 (includes vat) plus Eventbrite booking fees

Where- TCV Scotland, Balallan House, 24 Allan Park, Stirling, FK8 2QG (Parking is available at the rear of the building)

Terms & Conditions - The full fee is payable for cancellations within 7 days of event.