After the introductory sessions (2 x 2 hrs), the emphasis is on field visits (normally 4 visits of varying length), some of which look at restoration case studies and are delivered by practitioners (e.g. a lowland bog, river and riparian management); others focus on practical survey and sampling skills in and around freshwater habitats. Visiting freshwater habitats will provide a useful context when creation and management techniques are covered later in the course (6 x 2 hrs).

Guided reading will be provided prior to most sessions.

Transport to field sites, appropriate sampling equipment

Boon, P.J., Calow, P. & Petts, G.E. 1992. River Conservation and Management. John Wiley & Sons, Chichester

The River restoration Centre 2002. Manual of River Restoration Techniques.
Web Edition: http://www.therrc.co.uk/manual.php

SEPA. Farming and Watercourse Management Handbook.
http://www.sepa.org.uk/pdf/guidance/hei/wwf.pdf

Sutherland, w & Hill, D.A. (1995) Managing Habitats for Conservation

Ward D, Holmes N, Jose P (eds) 1994 The New Rivers and Wildlife Handbook, RSPB, Sandy, Bedforshire

Journals:
Biological Conservation, Journal of Applied Ecology, Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, British Wildlife

20% - Interpretation of water quality data (1.5 hrs). This will assess outcome 3.

80% - 3000-3500 word restoration/management report. This will assess outcomes 1 & 2.

Formative Feedback: A group-based formative test will be undertaken to develop students' data interpretation skills. In addition, formative feedback on the report will be offered prior to final submission.

The module begins with a brief review of the ecology and hydrology of freshwater lotic, lentic and wetland ecosystems. Keys themes that will be developed here include the importance of hydrosere succession, the catchment area and riparian zone in the ecology and management of these systems. Later sections of the module focus on the monitoring and conservation evaluation of aquatic habitats (e.g. SERCON, PSYM, River Corridor Survey and River Habitat Survey). We then focus on the creation and management of aquatic ecosystems, including a consideration of water pollution. We will also look at fish conservation and important EU Directives such as the Water Framework Directive.