Full Course Details - Field Studies Council

Course outline: This course will provide an introduction to British grasslands andhow to classify them using National Vegetation Classification (NVC). It will alsotake in aspects of the ecology of grassland NVC types, their wider distributions andtheir relationships with other types of vegetation. Publications such as volume 3(grasslands and montane communities) of the NVC series will be used, but theteaching will not be based strictly around the collection and analysis of quadratdata; it will include a more general approach to vegetation classification. You willneed to be reasonably fit, as there may be some hill walking involved.Your tutor: Ben Averis is a consultant botanist who has been using the NVC since1986. He is a co-author of An Illustrated Guide to British Upland Vegetation(JNCC 2004).Course itinerary:22 nd – evening (after dinner): introductory indoor session.23 rd – morning & afternoon: visit to a local site with a range of grassland types.23 rd – evening: indoor session (analysis, discussion etc).24 th – morning & afternoon: visit another site with a range of grassland types.24 th – evening: indoor session (further analysis, discussion etc).The course ends after breakfast on the 25 th , though people can leave at the end of theevening session on the 24 th if they prefer as there will be no actual teaching on the 25 th .Equipment to bring with you:Lunch Box , vacuum flaskWaterproof walking boots **Waterproof clothing **RucksackPlenty of spare warm clothingHand Lens (x10 magnification)Small notebook and pencil** We have wellingtons and waterproofs available for hire at the centre.Continued ...

Arrival and Departure Times – Resident and Non-resident visitors are requested toarrive at the centre before 7pm on the 22 nd and report to reception. Evening meal willbe served at 7.30pm and the course will commence after a brief welcome toKindrogan. Tuition will end on the evening of the 24 th with departure after breakfaston the 25 th .If you would like to extend your visit we can offer accommodation on a Bed andBreakfast or Dinner Bed and Breakfast basis, please contact the office on 01250870150 to check on availability prior to your visit.Your room at KindroganWe have a limited number of en-suite rooms in the main house for single/ sharedoccupancy, these are subject to availability at the time of the course . We can offertwin rooms also for single / shared occupancy with shared toilets and showers in ourSteading accommodation . We can also offer a single room with shared toilets andshowers at a discounted rate in our Ardle accommodation.