This course will examine the lowland habitats of England i.e. those not situated in the hill country of the North and West. Case studies will include e.g. ancient woodland, species-rich grassland, heathland, rivers and streams, fens and bogs, farmland and ex-quarrying sites. The focus will be on inland sites though the importance of coastal habitats will be highlighted. The course will examine how these plant and animal communities came into being and attempt to answer fundamental questions such as why did grassland develop here? Why is this part of my county rich in heathland? Why did a bog develop in this valley but a fen in that one? We will also look at present day management and conservation and what the future may hold.
Course aim
To examine the origins, natural history and conservation of England's Lowland Habitats. Examples of such habitats will include woodland, grassland, wetlands, heathland, rivers and streams.
Do I need any particular skills or experience?
- This course is for beginners and improvers
By the end of the course I should be able to:
- Explain why ancient woodland is important for biodiversity.
- Explain the main reasons for the decline of species-rich grassland.
- Explain how rivers and streams have been managed to facilitate land drainage.
- Explain how wetlands such as peatlands help to prevent flooding and how they help prevent climate change.
- Explain why most lowland habitats need some degree of human intervention for their conservation.
What else do I need to know?
It will be useful to make notes and also to keep an eye on the media for mention of conservation and environmental issues.
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