Introduction to Invertebrate Assemblages and Pantheon Software

An understanding of invertebrate assemblages is important for anyone involved in SSSI management, entomology, and understanding more about invertebrates on a site and landscape basis. Natural England and the UK Centre for Hydrology and Ecology developed Pantheon software to enable those seeking to gauge site condition based upon the invertebrates of several habitat classes. This course will explain in detail each of these, which species are important, and give an understanding of the level of survey needed to assess them for the relevant assemblages.

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

• Use Pantheon software,
• “Read” habitats for invertebrate assemblages

Who Should Attend? – Naturalists with an interest of invertebrates, entomologists, site managers, ecologists, ecological students etc.

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

Prior Knowledge – No prior knowledge needed though some basic level entomological knowledge would be useful.

PLEASE NOTE: There is no accommodation, refreshments, or meal facilities included in the course price. 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.

Pete Boardman

Pete first got into flies after volunteering with Liverpool Museum’s entomological department in the early 1990s, with support from Tom Mawdsley and Richard Underwood. He ‘discovered’ craneflies when county moth recorder for Shropshire and chose them as a dissertation subject for his MSc in the mid 2000s. Following this he committed to the group and immediately worked on a Shropshire distribution atlas (2007) and a second improved version with keys in 2016.

In 2018 he was awarded a Churchill Fellowship which enabled him to spend a month at the Smithsonian Institution collections in Washington DC studying the Charles Alexander collection. This enabled him to later name 23 new species to science from Cameroon.

He currently is national cranefly recorder for the Cranefly Recording Scheme supporting John Kramer and Alan Stubbs.

Example Timetable

This timetable is subject to change but should give a clear outline of what to expect.

• Please arrive in time for the course to start promptly at 10:00am
• The course will end at 4:30pm

10:00 – 12:30 – Introduction to invertebrate assemblages and Pantheon (including a 15 min comfort break - refreshments not provided)
12:30 – 1:30 – Lunch - not provided
1:30 – 2:30 – reading the landscape for invertebrate assemblages
2:30 – 2:45 – Break - not provided
2:45 – 4:00 - Invertebrate assemblages at course venue
4:00 – 4:30 – Wrap up and summary

Please note accommodation, refreshments, and an evening meal are not included in the course price.

• 
  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.

What to Bring

• Notebook and pencil
• Lunch and refreshments
• Sensible footwear and clothing for being outdoors - sturdy boots, coat, etc.
• Small bag to carry personal items

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.