The UK Habitat Classification (“UKHab”) will be introduced with a focus on broad and primary habitats in the Primary Habitat hierarchy as well as the frequently used secondary codes. Habitat identification and mapping will be practiced in field visits to a range of habitats on the University Campus and upland fringe on the nearby Ochil Hills.
This course gives the opportunity to explore the full range of variation of grasslands and heathlands across the UK and to use the power of Levels 4 and 5 and a range of secondary codes to describe these important habitat features.
This course is predominantly aimed at individuals with little or no experience of recording habitats. It has been designed for students or those who have just qualified. The ability to recognise at least some common plants, trees and shrubs will be assumed.
The UKHab Version 2.0 (2023) hierarchical structure and secondary codes is described in detail, including new codes. Mapping protocols including use of polygon, line and point features are explained. Attendees are asked to do some simple identification and mapping on screen using the coding system and field key. UKHab applications in ecological practice (such as being the basis of Biodiversity Net Gain) are discussed.
UKHab Version 2.0 and Biodiversity Metric 4.0 are described with focus on updates from earlier versions. The relationship between Metric 4.0 condition assessment criteria and UKHab 2.0 is explained. The application and interpretation of Metric 4.0 condition assessment criteria in the field and calculation of condition outcome scores for a range of terrestrial habitats is covered.
This course gives the opportunity to explore the full range of variation in wetlands across the UK and to use the power of Levels 4 and 5 and a range of secondary codes to describe these important habitat features.
The course introduces habitat surveyors and ecologists to the UKHab interface with Biodiversity Net Gain, with specific reference to UK Good Practice Guidance and the Statutory Biodiversity Metric. The course focuses on baseline survey data collection and BNG baseline credit calculations and explores other aspects of the BNG process in relation to development.
This course is for practitioners who have completed the UKHab Intermediate training courses and wish to extend their knowledge of the range of UKHab habitats, the habitat types used in the Statutory Biodiversity Metric and the relationship between the systems. The course gives the opportunity to explore the nuances of habitat identification and mapping in more detail than on other UKHab courses.
This course gives the opportunity to explore the full range of variation in habitats across the UK that are dominated by trees and shrubs.
The requirements of habitat mapping in the field, such as the allocation of a single identified habitat to an area or linear feature, will be explained. The need for rigour and the approach to deciding boundaries between habitats will be covered. Examples of UKHab maps in different landscapes will be shown and discussed.
The UKHab Version 2.0 (2023) hierarchical structure and secondary codes is described in detail, including new codes. Mapping protocols including use of polygon, line and point features are explained. Attendees are asked to do some simple identification and mapping on screen using the coding system and field key. UKHab applications in ecological practice (such as being the basis of Biodiversity Net Gain) are discussed.
Please read our Terms and Conditions for courses.
All courses are held “live” online unless stated as field courses.
Online courses are held for two 3-hour sessions on successive mornings (10.00-13.00) unless otherwise stated. Participants in the two-morning courses are also asked to complete an hour’s task between the two sessions.
Field courses are normally held on a single day from 10:00 to 16:30. Meeting place details are provided after booking.
Course Levels
Beginners’ courses are suitable for people with no or very little previous experience of habitat survey, including students, new graduates, citizen science participants and environmental consultants returning or switching from other disciplines.
Intermediate courses are suitable for people with some knowledge or experience of habitat survey in other habitat classfications such as Phase 1 Survey. No previous UKHab experience is required, but individuals with a little UKHab experience often choose this level to improve their skills.
Advanced courses are suitable for more experienced professionals with at least a few years experience of habitat survey and wishing to extend skill sets using UKHab in ecological professional practice. An intermediate UKHab course should have been completed first.
Learning objectives for each course are available on the UKHab website.
For CIEEM Members, all UKHab courses can contribute to CPD records. UKHab & Bidiversity Net Gain (Advanced) courses with trainers from the UKHab team are also offered by CIEEM. These can be booked on the CIEEM website.
UKHab Ltd also offers training courses for organisations. These may be standard courses as described on the website or with bespoke content. Please enquire by emailing training@ukhab.org.
* 50% discount available for students in full-time higher education. Please submit details with your booking.
