Overview

The aim of this module is to train students in the design and implementation of surveys, introduce them to various monitoring methods, key skills, and topics, while developing student understanding of how these areas relate to conservation practice. We will also ensure that students have a good understanding of the range of challenges faced by those involved in conservation practice, and how they are overcome. The module is delivered with input from conservation practitioners, organizations, and employers (for example, the British Trust for Ornithology, the North Wales Wildlife Trust, IUCN SSC conservation planning specialist group, Cymdeithas Eryri/Snowdonia Society, Llyn Parc Mawr) and has a focus on interdisciplinary skills needed by employers of conservation graduates.

The course is split into two parts. 1) Training in the design and implementation of surveys, monitoring methods, key skills, and disciplines that inform conservation practice 2) Exploration of the challenges of conservation practice

The course is split into two themes.

1) Training in the design and implementation of surveys, monitoring methods, key skills, and disciplines that inform conservation practice: a) Conservation careers & employability, b) Conservation Evidence c) Conservation monitoring (survey design, measuring biodiversity, , field methods, data handling) d) Estimating species population size and indexes of abundance (e.g., mark and recapture, WEBs counts, introduction to citizen science) e) Conservation Behaviour f) Management & Restoration g) Law & Development h) Assessing habitat (e.g. UKHab classification surveys, indicator species associated with habitat classifications and metrics of biodiversity used in the context of Biodiversity Net Gain). i) Human dimensions of conservation

2) Exploration of the challenges of conservation practice: This part of the course will draw heavily on a range of real-world case studies delivered in partnership with conservation organizations. We will particularly emphasize real-world situations where the skills learnt in the first half of the module can be applied to achieve positive conservation outcomes. These applied aspects will reinforce training in key legislation relating to species and habitat protection in the UK, including an understanding of various licenses and vocational qualifications conservation graduates frequently obtain in order to pursue a career in ecological consultancy and applied conservation work.

Learning Outcomes

• Structure a coherent written argument with reference to relevant literature, law, and methods.

• apply principles of survey design needed in the design of robust studies to inform conservation practice.

• discuss the challenges of achieving effective biodiversity conservation.

• implement and be able to explain, common field methods used in conservation-related surveys, and develop an understanding of key legislation, licenses, and vocational qualifications relevant to a career in applied conservation.