Acorn Ecology Ltd

Water voles may be encountered on development sites that affect habitats such as waterways or wet ditches. Therefore it is important that ecologists know how to survey for them, how to recognise their field signs and have a good understanding of their ecology.

Ecologists also need to have a clear understanding of the legislation and guidance relating to water voles and development, and to make sure that appropriate mitigation techniques are used.

Our water vole course will be split into two days and you are welcome to come to just one of them, or both of them. You will need to bring a packed lunch on the first day, but lunch will be provided on the second day. You will receive a discount if you book onto both courses at the same time.

Both courses will be taught by Derek Gow MIEEM who is an ecological consultant who specialises in water voles, and also runs a captive breeding centre for this species.

Day 1 - Water vole ecology and surveying

This course is an introductory level course and will be part classroom and part field based. The course will cover the following topics:

• Water vole biology, ecology and field signs
• The history of water voles in Britain
• Legal status of water voles
• Factors in water vole decline
• Water vole conservation - habitat restoration and mink control
• Conservation case studies

During the course we will take a trip to a local site to look for water vole field signs, so be sure to bring your field clothes and equipment including wellies, wet weather clothing and binoculars.

Day 2 - Water voles and development

This course is primarily aimed at ecologists who work with developers on sites where water voles may be present. This day will be spent in the classroom and will cover the following topics:

• Water vole ecology (recap)
• Handbook updates of relevance to developers
• Legal status of water voles
• Mitigation options for developers including habitat creation, exclusions, translocations and finding/managing suitable receptor sites
• Monitoring success of mitigation
• Case studies

Where: The courses will begin at our training centre at The Granary, Westpoint, Sidmouth Road, Exeter, EX5 1DJ. In case you need to stay overnight, we have provided a list of local accommodation.

When: The next Water Vole Ecology and Surveying course is scheduled for Thursday 28th June 2012.

The next Water Voles and Development course is running on the following day, Friday 29th June 2012.

Timings: The Water Vole Ecology and Surveying course will start at 10.30 am and run until around 4.30pm. The Water Voles and Development course will start at 10:00am and finish at around 4pm.

Price: The price of the Water Vole Ecology and Surveying course varies according to your situation: £105 (standard fee); £85 for unemployed/full time students/full time volunteers; and £130 if your organisation is paying. This fee covers tuition only. A packed lunch should be brought to eat during fieldwork.

The price of Water Voles and Development is set at £190. This includes a buffet lunch and a cream tea in the afternoon. Booking both courses together means a discounted combined price of £275.

How to book: You can book on-line by clicking the 'Buy Now' button below and selecting the appropriate rate. Alternatively you can complete the attached form and send a cheque or request an invoice.

Once you have booked, we will e-mail you to confirm that your booking has been received.