Are you looking to improve
your identification and surveying skills, while joining a great team of
dedicated conservationists who share your passion for biodiversity? Then take a look at these great free
opportunities throughout the summer:
An Introduction to dragonflies
Sunday 20 July
An introductory level course exploring the bright and
beautiful world of dragonflies.
Delivered by a long-standing member of the British Dragonfly Society,
the day will cove ecology and the principles behind surveying, as well as
providing practical opportunities to put your new skills to use.
Tree identification
Wednesday 30 July
For beginner and intermediate level, this day will
explore the huge variety of native trees in the Caledonian Forest. Delivered by our Field Projects Coordinator,
the day will help you develop your identification skills and increase your
species awareness.
Take a liking to lichen
Saturday 26 – Sunday 27 July
Join our founder and Executive Director, Alan Watson
Featherstone, and discover the diverse world of lichens. This two-day course will see you develop your
knowledge with an expert lichenologist, and put your new skills to use at our
flagship conservation estate, Dundreggan.
Birds of woodlands and uplands
Monday 28 & Tuesday 29
July
Spend two days developing your bird identification
skills. Led by Dundreggan Operations
Manager and former RSPB Ecologist and National Nature Reserve Manager, Doug
Gilbert, you will gain valuable experience in bird surveying in the beautiful
surroundings of Dundreggan Estate.
The secret world of galls
Sunday 10 August
Galls are the bizarre lumps, bumps, and growths that
develop on plants after being invaded by some unique organisms. Join Alan Watson Featherstone as a
fascinating and remarkable micro-world opens up before your eyes! Increase your understanding of the causes of
galls and their important ecological functions.
Monitoring a regenerated forest
Wednesday 13 August
Revisiting worksites and monitoring progress is a
crucial element of our conservation work.
This one-day course will cover the methodology behind monitoring plots,
as well as offering practice in setting them up and using them. This day is ideal for a more
intermediate-level participant, who has experience in tree identification.
Vegetation communities
Saturday 23 August
Explore the relationship between vegetation
communities and what they can tell us about the soil below, as we join a member
of our local botanical society for a one day course.
Willow ID - advanced level
Sunday 24 August
Do you have an in-depth understanding of tree
identification? Join willow specialist
Les Tucker for a one-day course at our tree nursery and planting sites. Develop your understanding of willow species
and learn to identify much rarer varieties of willow.
AUTUMN OPPORTUNITIES:
Mammals of the Caledonian Forest
Saturday 27 & Sunday 28
September
Track UK Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Species
including red squirrel, pine marten and wildcat with local expert Dan Puplett.
Fungi & mosses
Saturday 11 & Sunday 12
October
Discover the beauty and complexity of fungi and mosses
with our experienced volunteer leaders.
Moth identification
Friday 17 October
Join Russell Miller, one of our most experienced
volunteer leaders, and develop your moth identification skills.
BOOK NOW
Make sure you book early to
avoid disappointment. Call using the
details below to secure your training place today!
GET IN TOUCH
Tel. 01309691292
The Park, Findhorn Bay,
Forres, Moray IV36 3TZ
www.treesforlife.org.uk
@treesforlifeUK
Fb. Trees for Life
All our free biodiversity skills courses will be held
at Dundreggan Conservation Estate, by Loch Ness – just a short drive south of
Inverness.
Day-long programmes will require a packed-lunch. Our two-day courses will include
accommodation and catering.