01
Overview
Practical conservation science and practice: ecology, habitat management, monitoring and community-based conservation. Includes field survey methods and a site management plan.
02
Aims of the Course
- Understand ecological principles and ecosystem function
- Survey and monitor habitats and species
- Plan practical habitat management
- Engage communities in conservation
03
Course Structure
01
Ecological Foundations
- Ecosystems and energy flow
- Biodiversity and habitat types
- Population and community ecology
- Threats: habitat loss, climate, pollution
02
Survey and Monitoring
- Survey design and sampling
- Species identification basics
- Recording and data quality
- Citizen science and volunteers
03
Habitat Management
- Management planning cycle
- Woodland, grassland and wetland practice
- Invasive species control
- Restoration and rewilding debates
04
Community Conservation
- Community-based natural resource management
- Livelihoods and conservation trade-offs
- Environmental education
- Indigenous and local knowledge
05
Policy and Finance
- Conservation policy and protected areas
- Carbon and biodiversity finance
- Grant funding for conservation
- Legal protections for species
06
Site Management Plan
- Assess a real site
- Set conservation objectives
- Design a management programme
- Monitoring and review
04
Learning Outcomes
- 01Explain ecological principles relevant to conservation
- 02Design and carry out a habitat survey
- 03Write a site management plan with objectives
- 04Engage a community in a conservation project
- 05Interpret basic conservation policy
05
Assessment
- Field survey report
- Site management plan
- Ecology and policy examination
06
Entry Requirements
- Open access; outdoor fieldwork required
07
Progression and Careers
- Conservation officer
- Ranger or reserve warden
- Environmental project coordinator