Course Overview
Learn to accurately assess deep peat condition in the field & interpret your findings. You'll cover:
1. Identifying key peatland plant species in a variety of conditions:
Learn to confidently recognise the indicator species that define peatland habitats, even in challenging or degraded sites.
2. Measuring and recording peat depth accurately:
Gain hands-on experience using field tools and techniques to collect reliable peat depth data for surveys and reports.
3. Understanding peatland ecology and hydrology:
Build a clear picture of how water, vegetation, and soil interact to create and sustain healthy peatland ecosystems.
4. Linking assessments to compliance and restoration strategies:
Understand how survey results feed into meeting regulatory requirements and planning effective restoration projects.
5. Recognising threats to peatland health and how to address them:
Develop the skills to spot early signs of damage or degradation and explore practical interventions to protect these sensitive habitats.
About your trainer, Steve Knight
With over 30 years of experience, including two decades in government bodies, the Forestry Commission England, Wales and Natural Resources Wales, Steve Knight is a seasoned leader in land management and conservation.
Now leading Clunside Forestry and Ecology Services, and armed with forestry and ecology degrees, Steve excels in sustainable woodland management and forest design.
He also teaches environmental courses, provides specialised training in forest management and ecology, climate change and mitigation, and has led teams in designing woodland management plans for England and Wales.
Steve Knight has also designed and lectured at degree level on environmental topics such as Woodland ecology, EIA, taxonomy, climate change, woodland management and conservation.