Introducing an exclusive 1-Day Course in Adder ecology and habitat awareness. Join Nigel Hand, pioneer in wildlife conservation, for a specialised training course tailored for landowners and site managers.
As adder populations continue to decline across various regions of the UK, this comprehensive course aims to address the pressing need for species awareness and habitat preservation.
With a focus on raising sector awareness, attendees will learn essential techniques in habitat recognition and identifying field signs that indicate the possible presence of adders within woodlands.
The day will commence with a classroom-based presentation. Following this, participants will undertake a field walk through Mallards Pike, Forest of Dean looking at some of the challenges the sector faces when managing woodland.
Objectives
To raise awareness within the sector of how species may be using a woodland.
Adder ecology, protection status, activity and inactivity periods along with poor perception.
Habitat recognition, field signs that may help in the determination of the possible presence of the species within the woodland.
Managing adder sites and timing for works.
Understanding impacts and potential site isolation.
Mitigating for ongoing climate change.
Instructor
Nigel Hand is an authority on adders and pioneered the radio telemetry methodology in the UK, with 14 years of tracking projects across England and Wales. Based in central England he advises on adder ecology to many of the larger conservation organisations including Natural England, The National Trust, Forestry England and The Wildlife Trusts.
Agenda
9:00 - Meet point Beechenhurst Cafe car park Speech House Road, Broadwell, Coleford GL16 7EG
Arrival, tea & coffee
9:45 - Presentation commencement (part 1)
11:00 - Break for refreshments (part 2) up to lunch and questions
12:30 - Lunch (bring packed lunch)
13:15 - Field Walk starts from Mallards Pike car park following forest track.
15:45 - Finish point back at Mallards Pike car park.
(Times are approximate)
Bring walking boots and pack waterproofs just in case. The route will be a comfortable stroll looking at and discussing habitats within the Forest of Dean, supporting adders and where work has been undertaken to research ecology and improve reptile habitat.
Who should attend?
Open to all working in the Forestry and Woodland and conservation management sector.
Point of contact
If you have any issues booking this event please contact - info@focusonforestryfirst.co.uk
Cost (booking fee)
£80 + VAT
Please read our Terms & Conditions before booking.
Other Information
Refreshments will be provided, but please bring your own packed lunch.
Please wear clothing and footwear suitable for the weather and terrain. We will be walking footpaths but also through woodland and scrub grassland .
Toilets available at both Beechenhurst and Mallards Pike. There are also cafes at both locations.