Woodland NVC Survey in Practice
Tuesday 29 April 2008
Location: Otley Chevin, West Yorkshire
Participant Standard: Beginner - Intermediate
Tutor(s): Gordon Haycock CEnv MIEEM
The workshop will initially look at the National Vegetation Classification (NVC) methodology and then apply survey and analysis techniques in the field to a variety of local and commonly encountered woodland situations. Identification of relevant vascular plants and key bryophytes will also be covered.
Further details about the workshop
This workshop will cover:
- introduction to the National Vegetation Classification system
- identification of essential woodland ground flora including common bryophytes;
- field survey in a variety of woodland situations;
- identification of NVC woodland types in the field;
- a critical look at woodland NVC and its application; and
- reporting NVC survey.
The day will include an indoor session going through the theory behind NVC and a step-wise approach to applying the field skills necessary to make an assessment of woodland NVC communities. We will then survey in a variety of woodland situations, and gather an appropriate amount of data to allow Community descriptions to be assigned.
Back in the lab, participants will analyse the data to assign Communities and examine the challenges presented when interpreting data and mapping communities.
Who should attend this workshop?
Environmental consultants and conservation volunteers looking to learn and refresh their NVC survey and assessment skills. Basic woodland ground flora identification skills are assumed, common bryophytes and less common species will be taught on the day.
Ideally participants will have at least attempted woodland NVC survey prior to the course.
Anything participants need to know/read before coming on the training event, or need to have with them?
Bring with you:
- If possible - Copy of Rodwell JS (Ed) 1991. British Plant Communities Volume 1. Woodlands and scrub. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge
- Packed lunch
- Clipboard and pencil
- Plant identification guides (if needed)
- Hand lens (x10 or x20)
- Wellington boots or walking boots
- Dress for the weather
What will participants learn from the workshop (learning outcomes)?
- Background and theory of the National Vegetation Classification system
- How to undertake woodland NVC surveys
- Analysis of survey results and assigning Community categories
- Participation in discussion and critical analysis of applications of the system
Programme:
10:00 Workshop start, Health and Safety briefing
10:05 Introduction to the day
10:15 Introduction to the NVC and woodland NVC in particular
11:15 Tea break
11:30 Identification session – essential groundflora and common woodland bryophytes
11:45 Into the woodlands – survey of nearby woodland communities
12:30 Lunch in the field
13:00 Continue field work
15:00 Return to lab – data interpretation and mapping
15:30 Assigning NVC communities, process and pitfalls. Discussion of applications of NVC.
16:00 Finish, collect feedback forms and give out CPD certificates
Cost: £60 IEEM members, £120 non-members.