UKHab has replaced Phase 1 Habitat Survey as the major habitat classification system utilised by ecological consultants and conservation professionals. UKHab’s uses include Preliminary Ecological Assessments, Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) in the Statutory Metric calculation tool for new developments or for baseline assessment and monitoring of conservation or rewilding projects.
This online course is suitable for participants with a range of experience levels, from beginners or those with a basic knowledge of Phase 1 Habitat Survey through to those with experience of National Vegetation Classification. Our course covers the most recent version of UKHab (V2) and will discuss its use for assessing habitat ‘distinctiveness values’ within BNG, highlight differences from Phase 1 and touch upon Condition assessment of habitats and Key Indicator species to help assess type of habitats.
This overview will be useful introduction for all ecological consultants, conservationists, land managers or consultees who read and comment on ecology reports for developments. Those with some botanical experience (equivalent to FISC level 3) will be able to carry out Basic level UKHab surveys for broad habitat types. For professional UKHab surveys of more specialist habitats a greater level of botanical expertise may be required.
The day will consist of three Zoom webinars of approximately 60 minutes each plus up to 30 minutes for questions:
- 10.00 Introduction and outline for the day
- 10.15 to 11.30: An Introduction and overview of UKHab v.2
- Break
- 12.00 to 13.00: How to carry out a UKHab survey
- 13.00 to 14.00: Lunch Break
- 14.00-15.30: Discussion of common and confusing habitat examples and some key indicator species
This course will give participants:
- An Introduction and overview of UKHab
- How to code and map habitats in a UKHab survey
- How to recognise UKHab habitat types, especially grassland types, through presence and abundance of Key Indicator species. How to code hedgerows, lines of trees and ditches in different scenarios.
Led by Lesley Mason PhD ACIEEM: UKHab accredited trainer and FISC level 5 botanist.
