Water Vole Identification Training
St Clair's Meadow Nature Reserve,
Meon Valley, Soberton, Hampshire, SO32 3PNEvent details
Meeting point
Soberton Village HallDate
About the event
Join Community Ecologist, Susan Simmonds, for a slide presentation followed by a walk to view water vole signs at HIWWT St.Clairs Meadow nature reserve on the river Meon.
It's a short walk from the hall to St.Clairs Meadow where we will provide all the necessary kit for the training survey. There will be an opportunity to view signs whilst walking along the river in-channel and/or from the bank.
Water vole ID training gives you the skills to confidently identify water voles and distinguish their field signs—such as feeding remains, burrows, and latrines—from those of similar species, enabling accurate monitoring and contributing to the conservation of this endangered native mammal.
When and Where?
Friday 1st May, 10am-1pm
Meeting at Soberton Village Hall, School Hill, Soberton, Southampton SO32 3PF
There is free parking at the village hall which includes disabled parking, access and toilet facilities. See 'location' section below for information on how to find us including using public transport.
Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the start of the course.
What do i need to bring?
- Please bring a drink of water. Wear long sleeved clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty and wear protection from inclement weather.
- Walking boots or wellies are recommended.
- We will bring life jackets, waders and ranging poles for those wishing to enter the river (limited to 8 people at any one time)
Your Tutor
Susan Simmonds – Community Ecologist
Susan has a lifelong passion for wildlife and graduated in Environmental Science. She's worked and volunteered in the conservation sector for over 25 years. Susan is also a lecturer at Sparsholt College, teaching on the Technical Diploma in Land and Wildlife Management. Susan has a Certificate to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (CTLLS) and a Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training. She enjoys passing on her knowledge of natural history through teaching courses like plant identification and mammal tracks and signs. She has a desire to make a difference and to play a part in conserving our natural world and believes that she can do that through teaching and further study. She loves being outdoors walking, running, cycling (with plenty of stops for photographing wildflowers), leading Duke of Edinburgh students and regularly teaches wildflower identification, water vole survey techniques and river fly surveying among other things.
Booking
Price
38Additional booking information
Before booking, please ensure you read the Course Booking - Terms and conditionsADULT COURSES TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Booking & Payments
Booking is essential for all Trust adult courses. Payments must be made in full before the course starts. Places on courses are not confirmed until full payment is received. Course bookings may not be sold to 3rd parties. All proceeds from our adult courses support our wider Trust work.
Refunds
- Cancellation by the Trust : the Trust reserves the right to cancel a course if minimum enrolments are not achieved even after payment has been received in full. If this happens the Trust will offer a transfer to another course of the same value or as part payment or a full refund. All reasonable efforts will be made to contact the learners enrolled on the cancelled course by email or telephone. If the Trust are unable to contact a learner about a cancellation for any reason, the Trust are not liable for any additional costs or expenses incurred.
- Cancellations within 2 weeks of course start : Cancellations by the learner within 2 weeks of the course start the Trust will be unable to provide a refund, although we may offer a transfer to another course at our discretion.
- Cancellations more than 2 weeks before the course start : Cancellations by the learner will be subject to a £10
administration fee which will be deducted from any refundable amounts.
- Absence : No full or part refunds will be made for absence, late arrival or early departure from any part of the course.
- Course Transfers : Should a learner request or accept a transfer to another course and then cancel no refund can be given.
Amendments : The Trust reserves the right to amend the terms and conditions of a course at any time and to take appropriate action, including the cancellation of a course or individual booking, if, in its opinion, it deems such action necessary. Trust course programmes are subject to amendments. The Trust reserves the right to alter course programmes or engage alternative tutors if and as circumstances dictate. Any increase in course price will not take place within the 28 days prior to the course start.
Physical Fitness : Due to the nature of some Trust courses a satisfactory level of health is essential. Anyone who has not disclosed a health problem, which makes it impossible or inadvisable to take part in the course, may be asked by the tutor to leave. Any fee refunded in such case will be at the discretion of the Trust. Learners with disabilities are very welcome to attend courses and the Trust will make reasonable attempts to include all learners where ever possible. The Trust sometimes run courses that may be difficult for some people with certain disabilities, if you are concerned about the suitability of the courses and have specific requirements please contact Susan on 07825 201538 or email susan.simmonds@hiwwt.org.uk prior to booking.
Dogs and pets : The Trust welcomes Guide Dogs on courses. Dogs and other pets are not allowed on Trust courses even at venues that allow dogs or pets.
Disputes : Should any dispute arise, the Trust's decision is final.
Data Protection : The Trust will keep your details on an entirely confidential database which will not be shared with any third party. This information will be used to keep you informed of the Trust’s activities and to send you information about the course.
Insurance, liability and code of conduct : The Trust cannot take responsibility for loss or damage to any learner’s personal belongings or vehicles or injury, damage or loss while travelling to and from the course. Learners agree to follow the tutor’s safety instructions at all times and have a legal responsibility to take all reasonable precautions to maintain their own safety and not to endanger other members of the group. Learners failing to adhere to the Health and Safety instructions of the tutor will be asked to leave the course and no refund will be given in this instance. The Trust is not responsible for any costs, damage or expenses incurred due to adverse weather conditions, industrial dispute or any other cause beyond the control of the Trust.