Rocky Shores: A Habitat Introduction

Learning to name the species you find is an important step in understanding the environment around you. In this beginner level course you will immerse yourself in the rocky shoreline, looking at the ecology of this diverse ecosystem. You will learn how to identify the organisms that live there and understand their distribution on the shore. You will learn how to use identification keys and gain practice in using them.

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

• Describe key species of seaweeds and animals and their distribution on the shore.
• Understand how distributions reflect the impact of both abiotic and biotic interactions.
• Explain the differences seen in the seaweed and animal communities of sheltered and exposed shores.
• Use key terms required for use of guides and keys, becoming familiar with species descriptions.
• Understand the principles of a dichotomous key and how they work.
• Correctly identify a brown seaweed to species-level using a Field Studies Council key.
• Correctly identify a gastropod mollusc to species-level using appropriate key.

Who Should Attend? – Anyone interested in the marine environment, nature enthusiasts, students, rangers, early career consultants and ecologists.

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

Prior Knowledge – A basic understanding of marine environments and terminology would be beneficial for this course, though no specific experience is needed, just a willingness to explore and learn.

PLEASE NOTE: 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. Please see the ‘What’s Included’ section for information on accommodation and meals options.

Bookings will close if course capacity is reached.

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

Ian Powell

After a few years of research work in coastal marine ecology, Ian Powell worked as an ecology tutor with the Field Studies Council at Slapton Ley (with lots of marine courses) and on overseas courses to South America. He has since taught undergraduate and master’s degrees in ecology and conservation biology at Edge Hill University, which has included running marine field courses at Millport. Ian also carries out regular botanical and butterfly surveys in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Jack Lucas

Jack is an experienced professional marine ecologist with broad range of field skills and scientific knowledge. With a focus on marine mammals and seabirds, Jack has worked all over the world on research projects studying these animals in their natural habitats. Jack was formerly the Senior Tutor at the Field Studies Council centre Millport, where he led the provision of science, wildlife and outdoor activity courses to learners of all ages. He has taught seabird, marine mammal and other wildlife courses at Field Studies Council centres for the last 6 years and has an in-depth knowledge of the sites and species that feature in his courses. His love of marine megafauna is channelled through his teaching, where learners will discover how they too can get involved with these amazing creatures!

John Archer-Thomson

For many years John Archer-Thomson was Assistant Head of Centre at Field Studies Council Dale Fort. He is now working as a freelance coastal ecologist, writer and photographer and runs a number of courses at Dale Fort each year. He co-wrote Rocky Shores, Volume 7 in Bloomsbury’s British Wildlife Collection.

Amy Hopley

Amy is a wildlife enthusiast and educator with a background in marine biology and seabird conservation and monitoring. She spent several years working in wildlife conservation, raising awareness to protect coastal habitats from Aberdeen to the Solent, before becoming an educator at Field Studies Council. Now based at Field Studies Council Millport, Amy has the privilege of working beside the Clyde and introducing groups to the wonderful creatures we share the seas and coasts with. Whether observing with binoculars on shore, rummaging around in rockpools, or leading snorkelling groups to explore the world beneath the waves, she is always finding new ways to connect people to nature.

Timings of this course vary, so please carefully check the times on the course run (the section where you can add the course to your basket towards the bottom of this page).

Lunch is not included so please bring your own food. Refreshments (tea and coffee) will be provided.

• 
  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
• In-course transport
• Refreshments (tea and 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.

Accommodation and meal options

We would recommend when purchasing accommodation and/or travel you should take out your own insurance.

For some course runs at Field Studies Council Centres, there may be the option to book accommodation with your course. If accommodation is available, there will be two booking options:

• Non-Resident
• Resident (Sole Occupancy)

If you choose a Non-Resident booking, this only includes course tuition and refreshments (tea and coffee). Please bring your own packed lunch.

If you choose a Resident (Sole Occupancy) booking, this includes accommodation with your own bedroom for two nights (starting the night before the course) and meals throughout the course (including an evening meal on the night before the course through to a packed lunch on the last day of the course). You can check in from 4 pm on the day before the course.

If your booking has more than one person and you would like a shared room, please email [email protected] to inquire.

Please be aware that you are visiting a Field Centre that caters in the main for school parties; the accommodation is basic and dormitory style, but warm and comfortable. Please also note that bathrooms may be shared.

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 in a rocky shore environment
• Small bag to carry personal items

Recommended Literature

• Rocky Shore Name Trail
• Rocky Shore Lichens Guide
• Rocky Shores, Volume 7, British Wildlife Collection

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.