Location

Online
Interactive online course

Cost

from £299

Date

-
5 & 6 March 2025

A new international approach for a post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework.

Location: 

Interactive online course via Microsoft Teams.

Cost: 

Students £469
Professionals £519

Learners from eligible Least Developed and Lower Middle Income ODA countries: £299

Learners from eligible ODA Upper Middle Income countries: £349

Date: 

5 & 6 March 2025

Please sign up here now to secure your place! (credit & debit cards accepted)

 

Short course description: 

 

This interactive online course over two mornings will introduce you to the concept of Ecosystem Integrity and how to assess it. The pre-course learning will include access to two recorded lectures showing how Earth Observation techniques and the use of Drones can contribute to assessing Ecosystem Integrity. During the course, you will do several exercises in small breakout groups. You will learn about surveys, field measurements, ecological restoration and some statistical considerations as well as practical ways of introducing and implementing an Ecosystem Integrity Approach to you conservation work. You will also get access to pre-recorded training material on drones and Earth observation and how this related to the Ecosystem Integrity approach.

Learning outcome:

By the end of the training, learners will have an understanding of Ecosystem Integrity. You will be able to link theory to survey data for real-world applications at different spatial scales.

Course objectives: 

  1. Learn about and gain a shared understanding of the concept of ecosystem integrity (EI)
  2. Learn about the range of approaches that can be used to measure ecosystem integrity
  3. Learn about ways to measure changes in ecosystem integrity in grasslands (e.g. UK Habs Codes G2 & G3a), peatlands and woodlands (e.g. UK Habs Codes W1)
  4. Learn how to design ecosystem integrity indicators
  5. Learn how to assess integrity at landscape scales, using Earth Observation, including drones.

Target audience:

  • PhD students and academic researchers
  • Biodiversity policy-makers
  • Biodiversity practitioners
  • Environmental consultants
  • Those involved in Nature Recovery Networks
  • Wildlife Trusts and other nature conservation organisations

Level: 

Beginner
Some understanding of biodiversity and traditional survey methods are an advantage

Places:

20

Hardware and software requirements: 

You will need a desktop or laptop computer. For the interactive online course, we recommend a second external screen (not essential). Having a webcam is desirable (but not essential). If you plan to participate from an open-plan office or noisy environment, please wear headphones with a built-in microphone. 
We will use Microsoft Teams to deliver the training course.

Course Leader:

 Dr Alan Gray, Plant Ecologist

Course material developed by:

Dr Alan Gray, Plant Ecologist
Dr Clare Rowland, Earth Observation Scientist 
Dr France Gerard, Senior Scientist, Earth Observation
Charles George, Remote Sensing Scientist

Previous course participants said:

Feedback in April 2022 was 93% positive.

I really enjoyed the case studies highlighting how external influences can impact a site and the chance to discuss putting together a monitoring scheme with colleagues.
(learner, April 2022)
I liked putting work into context best- linking site monitoring to global nature recovery targets. There was an opportunity to network with other Wildlife Trusts facing similar challenges via breakout rooms.
(learner, April 2022)
The working groups were helpful and provided good opportunities to share learning and points of view.
(learner, April 2022)

Relevant links and key publications: