All about Polecats
Thursday 13 March 2008
Location: Ledbury, Herefordshire
Participant Standard: Intermediate
Tutor(s): Johnny Birks MIEEM
The polecat was added to the UK BAP priority list in 2007, so there should be a renewed focus on this slowly recovering mammal. This workshop aims to raise awareness of polecat distribution and status in Britain; identification and recording issues (e.g. distinguishing polecats from polecat-ferrets and mink); basic ecology and behaviour; interactions with game and poultry management; and threats to polecat conservation. There will also be a field excursion to examine polecat habitat.
Further details about the workshop
This workshop will cover :
- An introduction to polecat ecology;
- Identification and recording issues, including separation of polecats and polecat-ferrets;
- The polecat’s changing distribution and status;
- Legal protection and new BAP status; and
- Conservation issues: threats and opportunities
The day will include a short field visit to discuss polecat habitat.
Who should attend this workshop?
The workshop is aimed at professional ecologists keen to acquire an overview of the polecat and its conservation in Britain.
Anything participants need to know/read before coming on the training event, or need to have with them?
Bring with you:
- Walking boots and wet-weather clothing
- Packed lunch.
What will participants learn from the workshop (learning outcomes)?
- How polecats behave in Britain
- Where polecats occur in Britain
- How to detect and identify polecats
- How and why the polecat is a protected species
Programme:
10:00 Workshop start, Health and Safety briefing
10:05 Introduction
10:15 Polecat ecology, behaviour and distribution
11:15 Tea/Coffee break
11:30 Identification and recording issues
12:00 Legal protection and conservation issues
12:30 Lunch
13:00 Excursion onto the Malvern Hills to examine polecat habitat
15:30 Return to classroom for debrief
16:00 Finish, collect feedback forms and give out CPD certificates
Cost: £60 IEEM members, £120 non-members.