Would you like to come along and learn about the fascinating world of Ice Age Ponds, their wildlife and geological origins and how we can help to keep them for future generations?

The new project “Conserving Herefordshire’s Ice Age Ponds”, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, is running a 1 day training course for volunteers wishing to expand their knowledge about Ice Age Ponds. Working with geologists and ecologists from the project you will learn about how Ice Age Ponds were formed, why they are unique and how to record the geology and find and identify wildlife that can be found.

Broadmoor, Moccas Estate, Bredwardine, courtesy of Will Watson.

The training days will be run on:

  • Thursday 28th March – CredenhillCommunity Centre
  • Friday 29th March – Pembridge Village Hall
  • Sunday 14th April – Credenhill Community Centre
  • Saturday 11th May – Pembridge Village Hall

Morning – Indoor Session:

  • Introduction to the Ice Age in Herefordshire and the landforms it left behind
  • Introduction to Pond Ecology
  • Introduction to field survey techniques for Ecology and for Geology

Afternoon Session:

  • Practical demonstration and chance to have a go at doing Geological recording, substrate core samples using augers, GPS recording of water levels and water quality testing.
  • Practical demonstration of Ecological recording techniques, habitat mapping, dipping for invertebrates.

No previous experience of ecology or geology is necessary, full training in the use of GPS, water quality meters and pond survey techniques will be given.  The aim of the training is to provide volunteers with the skills necessary to complete pond surveys to collect data for the Ice Age Ponds project and help focus our more detailed investigations.

Training lasts from 10.00am – 4.00pm and all equipment, plus hot drinks and biscuits will be provided.  You will just need to bring suitable outdoor clothing and lunch.

These training sessions are all free but places are limited and booking is essential.  To book your place please email Project Manager David Hutton on d.hutton@herefordshirewt.co.uk