Continued access to specialist literature both on paper and electronically - with corresponding access to networked PC's and academic search engines.
External speakers

Lindenmayer and Burgman (2005) Practical Conservation Biology. CSIRO Publishing.
Gilbert and Anderson (1997) Habitat Creation and Repair. Chapman & Hall.
Sutherland and Hill (1995) Managing Habitats for Conservation. Cambridge University Press.
Selected scientific papers and review articles from relevant journals, for example Conservation Biology, Trends in Ecology and Evolution, Journal of Applied Ecology, Biological Conservation and British Wildlife.

This module will incorporate 24 hours of lectures/discussions/field visits. This will enable us to give the coverage described in indicative content and then to place the knowledge and understanding gained into real context. Some of the material will be provided via external speakers. In addition, there will be ca. 3 hours of guided reading associated with each lecture/discussion session. The remaining ~54 hours of learning time will be spent working towards the coursework assignments.

60% Individually-produced and fully-referenced review (4000 words) for a specific, negotiated BAP species. Particular focus will be on the critical appraisal of potential impacts to species that are not the specific target but realistically may be impacted upon. To assess outcomes 2 - 3

40% An assessment of site conservation value via the production of a notification for a Site of Special Scientific Interest (2500 words). To assess outcome 1

Formative Feedback on both assignments will be offered prior to final submission.

The module will begin with the fundamental ecological knowledge and habitat assessment methodologies needed to successfully underpin working within terrestrial environments. Included will be an overview of the historical development of the post-glacial semi-natural landscape and their impact upon our natural landscape including current agricultural impacts. Using selected habitats as case studies we will look at traditional uses, ecology and nature conservation interest currently and coupled with these case studies will be in-depth appraisals of techniques and strategies for present-day habitat management and creation.