NVC: Summer Habitat Survey – Understanding and Describing Plant Communities

This course will introduce the idea of indicator species and what they can show us. The National Vegetation Classification (NVC) will be used to show how assemblages of species can give us information about soils, climate, hydrology and other factors, and how management can shape and conserve plant communities. This is a valuable skill for anyone working or looking to work within the environmental consultancy sector. There will be an element of botanical identification, especially of plants in their vegetative state, and also some important bryophytes. As much time as possible will be spent outside, exploring the magnificent countryside and habitats around the centre. There will also be the opportunity to use vegetation analysis computer programmes with data collected in the course, providing you with a solid baseline knowledge of this valuable survey method.

Learning objectives:

• A knowledge of how the NVC works and how it corresponds with other vegetation classification systems.
• Use of indicator species in the NVC.
• Using the NVC to interpret ecological processes.

Who Should Attend? – Nature enthusiasts, students, rangers, early career consultants and ecologists, anyone with an interest in vegetation classifications.

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

Prior Knowledge – It would beneficial for participants to have some species identification background as we will be seeing many different types of plants including rare species ( e.g. FISC level 3 upwards).

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.

Phil Wilson

Phil Wilson has been a freelance vegetation scientist, studying Britain’s plants and vegetation, since 1991. His PhD focused on the ecology and conservation of the arable flora and he worked with Plantlife for several years on some of our rarest plants. He also manages a small farm in East Devon, but enjoys travelling round the country.

Please arrive in time for the course to start promptly at 10:00am.
There will be a one-hour lunch break during the day. Lunch is not included so please bring your own food.
Refreshments (tea and coffee) will be provided.
The course will finish at 17:00pm.

Both days will be spent in the field.  There will be a brief introductory session in the lab and a short session on what to do with data after it has been collected in the field.

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  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.

Please note, you will need your own transport for field site visits for the course.

The course includes:

• Classroom learning covering the theory
• Field excursions to apply new knowledge
• Expert tuition for which the Field Studies Council is renowned
• Clear objectives and progression
• Refreshments (tea/coffee)

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 course

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
• Hand lens, min 8x magnification
• Your favourite identification guides
• Lunch and refreshments
• Sensible footwear and clothing for being outdoors
• 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.