Conserving Woodland 1 - Introducing Ecosystems
Event details
14 September 2017 - 10:00am - 3:00pm
In this beginners class Paul Ritchie, will identify the best ways to answer the question ‘How do physical factors influence wildlife in the UK?’ This will be achieved by defining the main ecological terms, introducing ecosystems and broad aspects of ecology and investigating how abiotic factors influence the natural environment. He will then explore food webs and trophic levels while trying methods and equipment used for surveying the abiotic factors of woodland.
This is a level 2 (GCSE level) course and is aimed at beginners who wish to start learning about nature conservation in British woodland.
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We have multiple copies of Woodlands, a practical handbook by Elizabeth Agate to give away to the first 8 people that register for all 6 Woodland courses. (Woodland Conservation 1,2,3 and Managing Woodland 1,2,3). This is a rare opportunity to own an invaluable 205 page tool which is no longer available to purchase in hard copy. Sign up today.
Tutor Information - Paul Ritchie
As a chartered biologist with over 20 years of experience as a countryside manager looking after nature reserves and commons Paul is well placed to deliver training in ecology and practical conservation management. He has held roles training employees and volunteers for the Metropolitan Police, City of London and now Surrey Wildlife Trust.
Turning back the clock Paul started working on the land as a farm labourer on a mixed arable and livestock farm in the Chiltern Hills. He went on to study zoology at the University of Nottingham (studying ants in Edale, African carnivores and tapeworms!) whilst volunteering for organisations conserving canals and waterways.
As a police officer Paul undertook a variety of roles in Harringey, Highbury and Central London, which included training new recruits, community engagement and rescuing wildlife (a degree in zoology is invaluable for this!). During his spare time Paul helped out in the London Wildlife Trust education centre at Railway Fields.
After studying ecology and conservation at Birbeck College (University of London) Paul had a second 20-year career in parks, gardens and open spaces with City of London. He helped to establish the community woodland project at Ashtead Common NNR; trained and assessed apprentices; and worked closely with volunteer and community groups.
Paul is now the Community Learning Coordinator for Surrey Wildlife Trust working with his colleagues and external tutors to plan and deliver a wide range of scientific and practical courses for adults. Paul has complemented his prior experience as an associate lecturer for the University of Surrey by recently completing a PTLLS course (Preparing to Teach in the Life Long learning sector).
Venue location
Nower Wood Educational Nature Reserve, Mill Way,
Leatherhead,
Surrey,
KT22 8QA