10:00-16:00 Freshwater Invertebrate Identification and Ecology

This course examines the amazing diversity of invertebrate life in temporary and permanent ponds. The training will provide a sound practical basis in the identification of typical freshwater macro-invertebrates. The use of a key to aid identification will be introduced and a range of collecting and surveying techniques will be used. Invertebrates will be identified to at least family level and to species level where appropriate. Leader: Andy May: Venue: Abbotts Hall Farm Requested Donation: £30

Location Abbotts Hall Farm

Please telephone Abbotts Hall Farm on 01621 862960 or email: admin@essexwt.org.uk for more information or to book your place.

10:00-16:00 Wildlife and Farming

This course will highlight the issues associated with arable farming and wildlife conservation on the Essex Coast. You will gain an understanding of the measures available to landowners to protect wildlife by looking at practical examples at Abbotts Hall Farm. Leader: Dave Smart: Venue: Abbotts Hall Farm Requested Donation: £30

Location Abbotts Hall Farm

Please telephone Abbotts Hall Farm on 01621 862960 or email: admin@essexwt.org.uk for more information or to book your place.

10:00-13:00 Riversearch Water Voles 1

Two stand-alone half day training sessions have been arranged for 2012. The course will serve as an introduction to the identification and ecology of water voles including an overview of current legislation, habitat management and health and safety issues. Students will also be trained to distinguish between water vole, field vole and brown rat morphology and field signs. Course suitable for beginners and people wishing to take part in the annual county survey for Essex. Leader: Darren Tansley: Venue: Abbotts Hall Farm Requested Donation: £15

Location Abbotts Hall Farm

Please telephone Abbotts Hall Farm on 01621 862960 or email: admin@essexwt.org.uk for more information or to book your place.

11:00-15:00 Heathland Management

Characteristics, history and development over the centuries of lowland heath habitat, in particular of Essex heaths, will be described. The related wildlife will be summarised. Attention will be paid to succession, positive and negative influences and the resulting need for continual management. A range of management techniques will be covered and reference drawn to schemes and sources of funding. A visit to Tiptree Heath will take place in the afternoon. Leader Joan Pinch Venue: Abbotts Hall Farm and Tiptree Heath. Requested Donation: £15

Location Abbotts Hall Farm and Tiptree Heath

Please telephone Abbotts Hall Farm on 01621 862960 or email: admin@essexwt.org.uk for more information or to book your place.

10:00-13:00 Riversearch Water Voles 2

Two stand-alone half day training sessions have been arranged for 2012. The course will serve as an introduction to the identification and ecology of water voles including an overview of current legislation, habitat management and health and safety issues. Students will also be trained to distinguish between water vole, field vole and brown rat morphology and field signs. Course suitable for beginners and people wishing to take part in the annual county survey for Essex. Leader: Darren Tansley: Venue: Abbotts Hall Farm

Location Abbotts Hall Farm

Please telephone Abbotts Hall Farm on 01621 862960 or email: admin@essexwt.org.uk for more information or to book your place. Requested Donation: £15

10:00-16:30 Wild Flower Identification 1

Two stand-alone training sessions learning how to identify wild flowers with the aid of books and keys. The day will include time for a field visit to look at varying habitats. The day is suitable for complete beginners who wish to know more about the wild flowers around them, and for those who want to improve their skills. It is recommended that a hand lens of c10x magnification be brought and, if possible, a copy of Francis Rose's Wild Flower Key. Leader: Stephen Clarkson Venue: Abbotts Hall Farm Requested Donation: £30.00

Location Abbotts Hall Farm

Please telephone Abbotts Hall Farm on 01621 862960 or email: admin@essexwt.org.uk for more information or to book your place.

10:00-16:00 Grasslands Management Surveying and Monitoring Practical Course

There is an urgent need to monitor the wildlife value of grasslands and effectiveness of management. Grasslands are a priority habitat due to their fragility within succession. If they are not managed properly they will change their characteristics and floristic diversity very quickly. It has been recognised that certain species indicate floristic diversity whilst others indicate a positive or negative effect of management and these species could be used to monitor sites. This course will look at the basic identification of grasses, a practical solution to surveying and monitoring grasslands to ensure limited resources are being used effectively. Leader: Andy May: Venue: Abbotts Hall Farm Requested Donation: £30

Location Abbotts Hall Farm

Please telephone Abbotts Hall Farm on 01621 862960 or email: admin@essexwt.org.uk for more information or to book your place.

10:00-16:30 Wild Flower Identification 2

Two stand-alone training sessions learning how to identify wild flowers with the aid of books and keys. The day will include time for a field visit to look at varying habitats. The day is suitable for complete beginners who wish to know more about the wild flowers around them, and for those who want to improve their skills. It is recommended that a hand lens of c10x magnification be brought and, if possible, a copy of Francis Rose's Wild Flower Key. Leader: Stephen Clarkson Venue: Abbotts Hall Farm Requested Donation £30.00

Location Abbotts Hall Farm

Please telephone Abbotts Hall Farm on 01621 862960 or email: admin@essexwt.org.uk for more information or to book your place.

10:00-13:00 Outdoor Fun and Exploration Engaging Children in the Outdoors

This morning course is suitable for parents and carers, teachers and teaching assistants, play workers, child minders or anyone who believes that children should be given the time and space to be engaged and connected with the natural environment. This morning will be an opportunity to explore how we can support our children in exploring and discovering outside with activities which will challenge and excite them. Packed with ideas for you to enjoy with your children, this morning will be a chance to relax, play and learn in the woods at Abbotts Hall Farm. Leader: Jo Ling Venue: Abbotts Hall Farm Requested Donation: £15

Location Abbotts Hall Farm

Please telephone Abbotts Hall Farm on 01621 862960 or email: admin@essexwt.org.uk for more information or to book your place.

10:00-16:00 Grass and Rush Ecology

This course will introduce participants to the structure, identification and ecology of grasses and rushes. In addition, participants will be introduced to the management of grasslands to promote diversity. This course will involve a strong ‘hands on’ approach and will focus on identification skills and ecology of species from a variety of habitats including woodlands, heathlands and ponds In addition species commonly associated with types of grassland and other habitat will be discussed. Grasses will be identified to species level. Leader: Andrew May Venue: Abbotts Hall Farm Requested Donation: £30

Location Abbotts Hall Farm

Please telephone Abbotts Hall Farm on 01621 862960 or email: admin@essexwt.org.uk for more information or to book your place.