Plant & Habitat ID for Phase 1 & UKHab Surveys (2 days)

This new 2 day course based on the popular TCV Phase 1 habitat survey 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 and UKHabs terrestrial habitats and the plants that assist in the classification of such habitats. What plants help you recognise a neutral grassland from a modified grassland? What is the difference between upland heathland and blanket bog?

The course will provide participants with supervised field tuition on how to correctly identify the key plants that help you classify a habitat type within Phase 1 and UKHabs systems. The course will touch on the background to these survey methods but the course mainly aims to fill the gap between habitat survey theory and actually being able to recognise habitats when in the field by identifying indicator plant species.

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 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 & UKHabs habitat surveys and how are they are used (Classroom).

· Identify and record habitat types, looking at Phase 1 and UKHabs types and key indicator plants (Classroom & Fieldwork).

· Visit to a number of lowland terrestrial habitats to identify key plants (Fieldwork).

Day 2.

· Further practical fieldwork, visiting a number of different upland habitat types and identifying key plant species required to classify the habitats (Fieldwork).

Field trips will be at various locations within a 10 mile radius of Alloa, including Blairlogie 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
• ESSENTIAL: Grass and flowering plant field guide; It is strongly recommended that you bring a copy of Collins The Wildflower Guide 2nd Edition by Streeter et al as the plant identification keys within it will be used during the course https://www.summerfieldbooks.com/product/collins-wild-flower-guide-2nd-ed-paperback/
• ESSENTIAL: A hand-lens, (if you don't have one, some will be available for use during course) and a notebook
• You have an understanding of UK Hab - About UKHab – ukhab
• Rucksack, waterproof jacket and trousers, stout walking boots or wellingtons.
• A camera, hand-lens, binoculars, GPS if you have one
• Notebook and pen
• Packed lunch and drink

Who is this course for - This course is aimed at those with some or little plant identification skills (post-beginner/intermediate levels). If you are a complete beginner to plants, it is strongly recommended you enrol on the TCV Wildflower Family Identification Course run by Faith Anstey before attending this course. It is recommended that participants read the Phase 1 and UKHabs handbooks 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 habitat type descriptions is advantageous

If you would like to attend a Plant Id training course prior to attending this course - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/780132747047?aff=oddtdtcreator

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 has moved to Resonate Together, Carsebridge Cultural Campus, Carsebridge Road, Alloa FK10 3LT

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

Feedback from previous course participants - 'Lindsay was super knowledgeable, passionate and helpful. I'd love to do more courses with him or TCV - a brilliant course I'd highly recommend'

'Brilliant training course, friendly greeting and comfortable learning facility. Really good value for money course too, easily the most affordable Phase 1 course'

'Excellent couple of days learning from an engaging and very knowledgeable instructor'