Nature Conservation in Practise

Aim

The aim of the course is to give the student knowledge in evaluation of nature areas from a conservation point of view. The aim of the course is also to give knowledge in documentation and follow-up of conservation measures and management of different biotopes. The main focus will be on using the knowledge in the field. After the course you should be able to:

• Identify common species in grasslands and forests, and identify and interpret occurrence patterns of indicator species for grasslands and forests.
• Assess forests and grasslands based on their biological values and recommend appropriate management to enhance the biological values in the long term for both forest and grassland areas.
• Present an environmental impact assessment in the form of a report of sufficiently high quality to be approved by the relevant authority.

Content

Assessment of conservation values in different environments, through inventories and evaluations of the species composition. Management of different types of nature, particularly semi-natural grasslands and forests. Inventory methodology according to the standard “Biodiversity survey” (NVI). History of land-use. EU grants in agriculture. Certification of forestry. Documentation and follow-up studies of conservation measures. Interpretation of aerial photographs. Writing the biological part of an environmental impact assessment paper. Conservation work is discussed with biologists working in districts, county administrations, forestry administrations and as consultants.