Introduction to the National Vegetation Classification surveys

Book this course as part of the following training package and Save! CIEEM members can book all 4 courses for £500 and for Non-members all 4 courses will cost £655. Contact training@cieem.net for further information

• 5th May: Plant Identification for Ecologists
• 6th May: Understanding the Vegetative Key, an essential tool for Ecologists for extending the Survey Season
• 7th May: Grass Identification for Ecologists
• 8th May: Introduction to the National Vegetation Classification surveys

The National Vegetation Classification system is a key tool in allowing botanists and ecologists to identify plant communities within semi-natural habitats. This information can be important in assessing the diversity of a site, its importance and any potential future use of the site (both development or management).

Following an explanation of the classification system, techniques and sampling methods, the rest of the time will be spent in the field collecting data, with a return to the classroom to analyse and interpret the results (having used a mixture of keys and computer software).

There will be ample opportunity to practise techniques in recording and sampling in the field. By the end of the day participants will be able to understand the background of the NVC system, its methodology, plant communities, how to collect useful data, formatting and analysis of data and interpretation of that data.

The habitats covered in this course will include upland acid grasslands and heathlands and how they are related.

FISC level 3 and above

Local Authority ecologists, Ecological consultants, Conservation officers and staff within SNCOs and NGO’s, Students, Environmental managers, Land Managers, Wardens, Rangers.

No existing knowledge, or experience is essential, but attendees will gain the most from this course if they have some prior understanding of the parts of a plants and associated terminology, have used a key (not necessarily botanical) and have some prior knowledge of UK flora.

Field Identification Skills Certificate levels 2 and above

• Undertake a National Vegetation Classification survey in Grasslands and/or Heathlands following the standard survey techniques (to the limits of their own botanical identification levels).
• Classify field data into the correct NVC communities using the appropriate handbooks, keys, software and other resources.
• Present NVC data in a structured format suitable for an NVC/habitat assessment report.
• Understand the need for accurate species identification is essential in identifying and classifying habitats.