This module will provide training in, and experience of, a variety of practical methods relevant to habitat creation and management. Examples include: risk assessment for fieldwork; identification of common plants and animals and indicator species; habitat mapping; habitat assessment and evaluation for conservation using industry-standard sampling techniques; the design of sampling regimes and the selection and proper use of a range of statistical analyses. Students will be introduced to traditional farming and management practices and have the opportunity to evaluate their conservation value.

A single, individual, 2,500-word report written-up in the style of a popular journal. To include:

A review of the literature of the impact of land-use change/different land uses on the ecology of pastoral landscapes in Europe.
An analysis of collected and provided data related to land-use or other environmental factors
A discussion of likely future impacts (of land-use change) and how these might be influenced by EU policies

Formative feedback on the report will be offered prior to final submission.

The study site in the Picos de Europa National Park is a cultural landscape principally consisting of hay and grazing meadows (1000-1400m) in a matrix of oak-beech forest with, at higher altitudes, summer grazing. Research in the area since 2003 has been carried out on invertebrate and plant communities to assist in the conservation of the National Park. Student data collection will add to this body of knowledge. In the field students will collect data as a group on a specific topic each year (e.g. abundance and distribution of specific butterfly host plants), sampling strategies, etc. (as in the indicative content) will be developed in the field following orientation. Students will be presented with additional data collected in previous research work and will be required to integrate their data with the additional data and investigate it for statistical/ecological relationships.

Bunce, R.G.H., Bell, M., & Farino, T. (1998) The environmentally sensitive area legislation in the United Kingdom and its potential application to the Picos de Europa mountains in north-west Spain. Environmental Conservation, 25, 219-227.
Buttler, K.P. (1991) Field Guide to orchids of Britain & Europe, The Crowood Press
Farino, T. (1988) The glories of the meadows of the valleys of the Peaks of Europe. BBC Wildlife, pp. 371-377.
Farino, T. (1999) Flora & Fauna of the Picos de Europa , self-published by Teresa Farino
Farino, T. (2001). Landscapes of the Picos de Europa: a countryside guide. Sunflower Books, London ISBN 1-85691-182-9
Kent, M and Coker, P (1992) Vegetation description and analysis - a practical approach. Belhaven Press, London.
Krebs, C.J. Ecological Methodology. 2nd Edition.
Lafranchis, T.(2004) Butterflies of Europe, Diatheo, Paris.
Southwood T. R. E & Henderson, P.A. (2000) Ecological Methods. 3rd Edition. Blackwell Science.
Rose, F. (1991)The Wild Flower Key British Isles-N.W. Europe. Frederick Warne
Sutherland, W.J. (1998) Ecological Census Techniques. Cambridge University Press.

Continued access to an up to date Ecology Library, i.e. a range of identification keys and practical handbooks and manuals.
IT facilities with statistical software.
Transport to Spain, field transport and accommodation in Spain.