Colleagues from across FPCR recently came together for a 4-day Botany and Habitat Surveying CPD programme, designed to strengthen botanical identification and habitat surveying skills across a range of experience levels.
Organised by Ian Hunter (Associate Director – Ecology) and James Warren (Associate – Ecology), the training brought together around 80 staff over the four days, reflecting the depth of passion for plants, habitats and ecological surveying that exists across our teams. The programme enabled colleagues to develop their skills through discussions in the field and hands-on fieldwork, while learning from some of FPCR’s most experienced botanists and habitat specialists.
The programme was structured to support ecologists at different stages of their botanical journey. Monday’s session focused on introductory botany and habitat surveying skills, taking participants through the parkland, species-rich grasslands, woodlands and hedgerows around FPCR’s HQ at Lockington Hall. Tuesday and Wednesday’s intermediate sessions explored more complex habitat mosaics and Woodland National Vegetation Communities (NVCs) at Beacon Hill Country Park, while Thursday’s advanced training saw some of FPCR’s most experienced botanists visit Strawberry Hill Heath Nature Reserve to investigate complex heathland and open mosaic habitats and discuss the challenges of surveying disturbed sites.
Throughout the week, participants made good use of FPCR-branded hand lenses, helping to bring botanical identification to life in the field.
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Investing in technical excellence, knowledge sharing and professional development is an important part of how we continue to grow our teams and deliver high-quality ecological advice across the UK. With ecologists at every stage of their careers learning alongside one another, the programme highlighted the breadth of expertise within FPCR and our commitment to supporting people to develop their skills and interests throughout their careers.
If you’re passionate about plants, habitats and ecological surveying, we’d love to hear from you.