Course: Conservation Grassland Management

About the event

Sensitive management of species-rich grassland is a core skill in conservation. Join expert Tim Bevan for a close-up exploration of evidence-based best practice for managing grasslands for competing priorities of multiple rare species.

You will investigate the influence of geology and soil on sward, examine basic grassland ecology theory, and consider how differing management methods such as hay making, grazing systems, livestock type and scrub management can be used to promote biodiversity.

Drawing on Tim’s expertise, honed at the National Botanic Garden of Wales, the course starts with an illustrated introduction, before moving to GWT Daneway Banks SSSI nature reserve.

Daneway Banks is famous for its thriving colony of large blue butterflies, but is also important for many other unusual invertebrate and plant species such as cut-leaved germander. You will look at the evidence, effects, and practicalities of creating and maintaining structural diversity to balance the needs of a range of rare species, and have an introduction to GWT’s ground-breaking monitoring methodology.

Getting the management mix right is an ongoing project in the face of climate change, but GWT is leading the way in evidence-based conservation.

Summary

• Location: Frampton Mansell Village Hall and Daneway Banks nature reserve, Nr Stroud
• Tutors: Tim Bevan
• Date : Wednesday 23rd October 2019
• Times: 09:30 – 16.00
• Level: Professionals and Enthusiasts
• Refreshments included
• Price: £75

Course expectations

At the end of the course participants can expect to feel confident in the role evidence based management plays within grassland conservation and monitoring techniques.

Over the day the course will cover:

• Landscape scale influences including geology, hydrology and soils on the grassland community
• Effects of differing management strategies to include grazing, mechanical systems and livestock habits
• Evidence to inform management - condition assessment, legal compliance
• Best practice and conservation habitat management techniques
• Planning and managing conservation grazing including restoration and maintenance.
• Balancing scrub and tree mosaic habitat in grassland

About the Tutor

Tim spent 14 years managing grasslands at the National Botanic Garden of Wales as the Estate Curator working with many other conservation charities and academic institutes. The emphasis was to conserve Wales’ native botanic diversity in situ. This was ground breaking in its day for any Botanic Garden to conserve its own native flora on such a scale.

Programme

09.15 : Registration and refreshments

09.30 : Welcome and introductions

09.45 : Presentation: Lowland Grassland Conservation

11.15 : Field session: Species, management and condition

12:30 : Lunch (note: bring packed lunch. Hot drinks provided)

13:30 : Field session: Evidence, landscape and more management

15.30 : Discussion and review of the day

16.00 : Course ends

All timings are approximate. This is an outline programme and may change according to the weather, requirements of the group or wildlife factors.

What we provide

• Light refreshments
• All equipment needed
• Course pack
• Relevant guide books
• Certificate of Attendance

What to Bring

Essential:

• Weather appropriate outdoor clothing (we advise clothing to cover arms, legs and feet).
• Appropriate outdoor footwear with good grip.
• A packed lunch and water.

Recommended:

• Notebook and pencil
• Camera
• Binoculars
• Your own guide book if you have one

Meeting point/Location

Frampton Mansell Village Hall, Frampton Mansell, Stroud, Glos GL6 8JA

Parking and Transport

Frampton Mansell Village Hall has ample free parking. There is a short drive required between sites and parking is very limited at Daneway, so car sharing will be arranged on the day.

Accessibility and Health

If you have relevant medical or access requirements please let us know when booking.

Frampton Mansell Village Hall has some disabled access, easy parking and toilet.

Field visit approximately 4 hours on very steep, rough grass, with gates, stiles and stock.

Please contact course organiser Ellen Winter for more details - we are happy to work with you to facilitate attendance wherever possible.

About the Field Site

Daneway Banks SSSI nature reserve is a wonderful example of limestone grassland and home to the rare large blue butterfly. It is widely regarded as one of the best places in the world to see this star species.

In spring and summer the banks explode with colour from orchids, rock-rose, cowslips and other flowers whilst the air buzzes with the sound of bees and the occasional croak from a raven overhead. http://www.gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk/reserves/daneway-banks.

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