Local wildlife records centre launches training days

Local wildlife records centre launches training days Devon Biodiversity Records Centre is this month launching a new programme of training courses focused on two of the county's most important wildlife habitats. The two-day courses are ideal for conservation professionals and consultants, as well as people just wanting to improve their botanical skills. Morning sessions are based at Woodah Farm in the Teign Valley, and then site visits are to nearby County Wildlife Sites and Devon Wildlife Trust nature reserves which are all known for their rich biodiversity. There are two courses planned; a Woodland Plant ID course in May and a Grassland Plant ID course in July. Each course costs £160 + vat (early bird fee) and is conducted over two days. The courses will focus on providing trainees with a better understanding of the habitat's ecology, survey methods and the necessary plant identification skills. Topics also covered during the courses will be habitat management techniques and how to identify invasive species. Ian Egerton, Devon Biodiversity Records Centre's Manager, said: "We have considered running training courses for some time as our survey staff have a high level of botanical experience and expertise specific to Devon's habitats. We were also keen to ensure that local courses were available at high quality sites in the county, so that travel could be kept to a minimum for both the environment and people's budgets. It's important that conservation professionals can add to their Continual Personal Development and we can also help train the next generation of wildlife enthusiasts who may be environmental students or budding botanists". For more information about the courses and to book a place visit www.dbrc.org.uk