Habitat Awareness: Grasslands

Grasslands vary widely depending on soil chemistry, moisture, management history and grazing pressure. By learning how to identify these habitats in the field such as calcareous, neutral, acid or wet grasslands, participants will gain confidence in interpreting landscapes and understanding what influences their ecological value. Accurate habitat recognition is essential for ecologists working with survey methodologies such as UKHab or NVC, and equally valuable for conservation volunteers and enthusiasts. The course also introduces the principles of grassland management, including grazing regimes, cutting, scrub control and monitoring approaches that promote long-term biodiversity.

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• Understand key grassland habitat types, such as – calcareous (alkaline), acid (acidic), or neutral (loamy/clay).
• Know what the key species are found in grassland habitats.
• Understand the importance of and benefits provided by grassland habitats.
• Understand the main management techniques that can improve grassland biodiversity

Who Should Attend? – This course is for adults 18+ (see FAQs). Nature enthusiasts, students, rangers and land managers, landowners.

Knowledge Level – Beginner. Level descriptors can be found on the following web-page: Framework and Course Level Descriptors

Prior Knowledge – No existing knowledge or experience is needed for this course, just a willingness to explore and learn. Some existing knowledge of general botany would be useful, but not essential.

PLEASE NOTE: There is no accommodation or meal facilities provided with this course. Refreshments (tea and coffee) will be available. If we are unable to reach viable numbers for this course, we will inform you of the course cancellation 4-5 weeks prior to the course run. We would recommend when purchasing accommodation and/or travel you should take out your own insurance.

Bookings will close if course capacity is reached.

Please email [email protected] if you have any questions.

Hannah Gibbons

Hannah Gibbons is an Ecologist specialising in habitat and botanical surveys and habitat management advice. She has been providing plant identification training courses for 15 years and when possible focuses on vegetative (non-flowering) identification as this provides skills all year round. Hannah currently works part-time for the National Trust but has worked for a number of conservation organisations in the South West. She especially enjoys grassland habitats, arable plants and sedges.

This course will involve both classroom learning and field excursions to cover all of the learning objectives.

Example Timetable

This timetable is to give you a rough idea of what to expect, and will be subject to change to fit the group, weather, location, and tutor.

• 10:00- 10:15- Welcome and introduction
• 10:15-11:30- Classroom session- What is are grasslands and what are the common types of habitat?
• 11:30-11:45- Tea Break
• 11:45-12:30- Outside- exploring the habitats on-site and looking at indicator species.
• 12:30-13:30- Lunch Break (Lunch is not provided, please bring your own)
• 13:30-14:30- Classroom session- discussing habitat management and habitat and species protections.
• 14:30-16:30- Outside- looking at habitat management options in the field.
• 16:30-17:00- Return to classroom, summary, and final questions.

• 
  Expert Tuition

The course has been carefully created by expert tutors and educators to help you build your knowledge and apply it within the field, surrounded by like-minded individuals.

The course includes:

• Classroom learning covering the theory of the species
• Field excursions to apply new knowledge
• Expert tuition for which the Field Studies Council is renowned
• Clear objectives and progression

You can rest assured that the absolute best content from an expert in environmental education will be provided. In choosing a Field Studies Council course, you will be joining thousands of people who learn with us each year.

Student Discount

This course is eligible for a student discount. If you are a current student, please use discount code BioStudent20 at checkout for 20% off all Biodiversity courses.

Natural History Bursaries

There are a number of natural history bursaries available to help with the cost of your course. To find out if you and your chosen course are eligible, read more here.

There will be a member of staff with first aid training and access to a first aid kit on site. If you have special medical or access requirements, please let us know as soon as possible so we can plan the course.

What to Bring

• • Notebook and pencil
  • Sensible footwear and clothing for being outdoors

• Small bag to carry personal items
• Lunch and refreshments

If you have them:

• Your preferred wildflower guide
• A x10 hand lens

Recommended Literature

• Phase 1 survey guide: Grassland and marsh
• Common Grasses Guide
• Grassland Plants 1 Guide
• Grassland Plants 2 Guide