Survey and Identification of Semi-Natural Woodland Flora and Vegetation Communities
Thursday 8 May 2008
Location: Preston, Lancashire
Participant Standard: Intermediate
Tutor(s): Cameron Crook MIEEM
This entirely field-based workshop is intended as a follow on to An Introduction to the Survey, Identification and Assessment of Semi-Natural Woodland Flora and Vegetation workshop (7 May 2008), but is also suitable for those who already have some experience of botanical field work and National Vegetation Classification (NVC) survey. During the workshop, surveys of a number of semi-natural woodland vegetation types will be carried out with emphasis given to correct identification of vascular plants, bryophytes and lichens.
Further details about the workshop
A variety of woodlands will be visited including semi-natural ancient woodland, more recent broadleaved woodland and coniferous plantations, including those which have been under-managed and have developed a semi-natural-type flora or those which are mixed with broadleaves.
On completion of the fieldwork, time permitting, the data will be analysed using both keys and specialist software.
Who should attend this workshop?
The workshop is aimed at those who have attended An Introduction to the Survey, Identification and Assessment of Semi-Natural Woodland Flora & Vegetation or any practising ecologist who wishes to develop their skills and experience in woodland surveying and assessment. It will also be of benefit to those who are experienced ecologists but who are unfamiliar with this habitat or who require a refresher on woodland survey techniques.
Anything participants need to know/read before coming on the training event, or need to have with them?
Bring with you:
- A waterproof clipboard or standard clipboard and a large transparent plastic bag and/or a notebook
- Field guides such as e.g. Wild Flower Key (Rose & O’Reilly 2006), Field Flora of the British Isles (Stace,1999) and the NVC Field Guide to Woodlands (Hall, Kirby and Whitehead, 2004)
- Outdoor Clothing (waterproofs, walking boots, day-rucksack)
- Packed Lunch (there will be facilities at the visitor centre to buy lunch before we go into the field)
What will participants learn from the workshop (learning outcomes)?
- How to plan and undertake an NVC survey in the field
- How to collect field data
- An understanding of NVC survey techniques used in woodland survey and assessment, applied to different woodland types
- How to analyse NVC data using keys and/or software
Programme:
09:30 Arrival and Coffee
10:00 Introduction to the workshop and fieldwork procedures
10:15 Into the field for the first fieldwork session
13:00 Break for Lunch (probably in the field but may be under shelter if the weather is particularly
inclement)
14:00 Resume Field Work splitting into small groups to carry out NVC surveys of selected woodland
types*
16:30 Workshop group reforms for summing up and handing out of CPD forms
17:00 End of Workshop
*NVC survey data will be collected at the end of the workshop to be later analysed by computer and sent on to participants.
Cost: £60 IEEM members, £120 non-members.