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. You will also have the opportunity to examine and identify microscopic animals from the shore communities using a microscope.

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.
• Examine and identify microscopic animals from the shore communities.
• 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: There is no accommodation or meal facilities included in the course price. 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.

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.

Please arrive in time for the course to start promptly at 11:00am.
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 18:00pm on both days.

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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.

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.

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

When you book this course, you will receive a discount code for the Field Studies Council recommended guides below.

• Rocky Shore Name Trail
• Rocky Shore Lichens Guide

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.