'Wetlands are managed for biodiversity, but specific management requires specific information about how bogs, fens, swamps and marshes work. Wetlands are under threat from developments and abstraction, but how wet are they? Are our wetlands drier than they used to be and if so, what can we do about it? But how do we find out if water levels are changing? And, what about water chemistry, wasting of peat and what might happen when we try and reverse things?'
These are some of the questions that this "5.5" training course will answer.
On a typical course you will learn:
- how water behaves in wetlands, especially mire, fen and related systems;
- the relationships between hydrology, hydro-geology, hydro-chemistry, soils, peats and the hydro-ecology of mire systems;
- how to set up a water monitoring programme using dipwells and other systems;
- how to understand and interpret the results of dipwell and other readings - just what does it all mean.
Typical programme for an introductory one day course
Venue: to be arranged
09.30 - 12.30
Understanding wetlands, surface and subsurface hydrology, hydro-chemistry, soils, peats and hydro-ecology
Understanding wetland monitoring and use of dipwells
12.30 - 13.45
Lunch and travel to field site
14.00 - 17.00
'Wetland Hydrology for Real'
Exploring the hydrology of a site, how to examine wetland systems, what to look out for, using augers and testing pH, how to install and monitor dipwells.
Some comments received from one of the English Nature courses:
"A thoroughly enjoyable and informative course, run by highly professional individuals. I would recommend this course to anyone wishing to improve their knowledge of hydro-ecology."
"Tutors excellent - it's nice to have a course presented by people who really know what they are doing."
"Well worth getting on the course."
"One of the best courses I have attended."
Courses are run by Ron Allen, Environmental Consultant, European and Chartered Biologist and specialist in applied wetland hydro-ecology. Ron has studied many nature reserves and other sites and installed a great many monitoring schemes. He works widely for English Nature, the Wildlife Trusts, National Trust, Forestry Commission and other governmental, non-governmental and commercial organisations who need to know how wetlands work.
If you are interested in attending one of our hydro-ecological courses, please register your interest by filling in the form below. |
