On completion of this module students should demonstrate knowledge of :-
the conservation movement
the split between wildlife and countryside conservation and their subsequent amalgamation
designated land and designated species; national and international obligations
conservation law and the agencies' responsibilities
landscape protection; LFA and ESA
the measurement of ecological value and the identification of high quality sites
theories of island biogeography and reserve identification
monitoring species change; butterflies, seals and sea birds
management of nature reserves; the special problems of serial eutrophication; fire, grazing and mowing
conservation of woodland and coppice management
coniferous afforestation impact on flora and fauna
conservation in the agricultural landscape - the case for marginal habitats
Aims
To set the legal and administrative framework for conservation in the UK. To indicate the importance of understanding basic ecological theory and conservation of wildlife resources.
Content
Introduction to the conservation movement; the split between wildlife and countryside conservation and their subsequent amalgamation.
Designated land and designated species; national and international obligations.
Conservation law and the agencies' responsibilities.
Broader landscape protection; LFA aand ESA.
The measurement of ecological value and the identification of high quality sites.
Theories of island biogeography and reserve identification.
Monitoring species change; butterflies, seals and sea birds.
The management of nature reserves; the special problems of serial eutrophication; fire, grazing and mowing.
Conservation of woodland and coppice management.
Coniferous afforestation impact on flora and fauna.
Conservation in the agricultural landscape - the case for marginal habitats.
Reading Lists
Books
Spellerberg, I F, Goldsmith, F B and Morris,M G (1991) The scientific management of temperate communities for conservation
Blackwell, Oxford
Usher, M B (1986) Wildlife conservation evaluation
Chapman and Hall, London
Howarth, W & Rogers, C (eds) (1992) Agriculture conservation and land use
University of Wales Press, Cardiff