Great Crested Newts: Ecology, Survey and Evaluation
Wednesday 12 May 2010
Location: Hoddeson, Hertfordshire
Tutor: Jonathan Bradley CEnv MIEEM
Level: Beginner - Intermediate
This workshop is intended to give an introduction to the ecology of great crested newts (GCN). It will also cover protective legislation, identification, survey techniques, survey standards, what the results of these surveys tell us and what one should do with the information.
IEEM Members: £80 (£70 if booked before 12 March 2010).
Non-members: £160 (£140 if booked before 12 March 2010).
Further details about the workshop
The workshop will cover:
- GCN ecology.
- Protective legislation.
- Habitat Suitability Index.
- Identification.
- Survey techniques and standards.
- Results analysis.
- Population class size and site evaluation.
Mitigation measures will be touched upon (general principles) but will only be in the detail that time allows. Those prepared to stay on into the evening/the next day will be able to accompany the tutor on an evening of bottle trapping and a torch survey.
Who should attend this workshop?
This workshop is intended for consultant ecologists, local authority ecologists, park wardens, reserve rangers and land managers.
Anything participants need to know/read before coming on the training event, or need to have with them?
Bring:
- Waterproof outdoor clothing.
- Pencil and paper.
- Stout boots.
- A packed lunch.
- Those staying for the evening session will need a powerful torch (one million candlepower).
To get the most out of the course it is recommended that attendees read up on the subject in advance. Suitable publications are:
- Oldham, R.S., Keeble, J., Swan, M.J.S., and Jeffcote, M (2000). Evaluating the Suitability of Habitat for the Great Crested Newt (Triturus cristatus). Herpetological Journal, Vol. 10, pp. 143-155.
- Froglife (2001). Great Crested Newt Conservation Handbook. Froglife, Halesworth.
- Gent, A.H. and Gibson, S.D. eds (1998). Herpetofauna Workers Manual. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough.
- English Nature (2001). Great Crested Newt Mitigation Guidelines. English Nature, Peterborough.
What will participants learn from the workshop (learning outcomes)?
- GCN ecology.
- Law pertaining to GCN.
- How and when to survey for GCN.
- What to do with the information gained.