Mountain Environment Courses

These are inspiring courses for those who want to learn more about the nature and ecology of the places they visit in the hills and mountains. Based in the heart of Snowdonia each course will open your eyes to things you may not have seen or appreciated before.

The courses are facilitated by Jim Langley MSc.

As well as being an enthusiastic and natural teacher, Jim has a MSc in Conservation and Land Management and is a qualified Mountain Leader. Over the years he has developed a broad wealth of experience leading groups in the outdoors not only in environmental education but also in personal development and as an expedition leader.

A day aimed at those with a professional interest in outdoor education. The day will provide leaders with activities that add educational value to any outdoor activity and aid learning in the outdoor environment. The activities are specifically developed to support learning in the outdoor classroom.

The nature of the mountain environment  2010 Dates

This day will trace the events of the formation of the mountains back over millions of years. It will provide an insight into present and past climate and weather patterns and will identify the glacial legacy that has been so instrumental in shaping the mountains and valleys. It will also cover the vegetation and soils that have developed since the retreat of the glaciers.

Conservation of the mountain environment   2010 Dates

A day that looks at the issues that surround modern conservation in the UK. You will learn how humans have influenced the landscape of the mountain environment and the measures taken to protect its special geology, ecology, wildlife and scenery. You will also explore conservation farming schemes aimed at promoting biodiversity. An important theme running through the day will look at ways in which you can play a part in conserving the upland environment.

Environment and habitat series

These workshops provide those with an interest in the natural world the chance to develop their skills in species identification and also in the understanding of ecology and conservation. They also offer an introduction to sampling and field study techniques looking at the diversity of plants, animals and other organisms that make up our natural habitats.
The workshops are geared towards maximising ‘learning through doing’ and promote the use of the outdoor classroom. They are designed to suit the outdoor industry. The methods of facilitating the workshops include the use of innovative activities and techniques that promote environmental awareness and interpretation.

Plants of the mountain environment   2010 Dates

Dominated by open grassland the upland environment is a fascinating place to discover an environment that existed as the last glaciers retreated from the high cwms. Rare arctic alpine flower communities found in places inaccessible to grazing sheep share a home with species normally associated with woodland. The relict flower communities are at the very edge of their world distribution and use a variety of cushion shape, creeping stems and small size to minimise exposure to the strong winds. Increasing grazing pressures and changes to upland agriculture have a dramatic influence on the vegetation in the uplands and no study here is complete without a look at human impacts.

The rocky shore environment   2010 Dates

Take a closer look at the dynamic environment of the inter-tidal rocky shore. It is an extreme habitat in a constant state of change when compared to land or the sea. The extremes of daily immersion in salt water and the movements associated with tides and waves, to the physical stresses associated with exposure to air and desiccation have a profound and dramatic influence on the organisms that live in such a narrow coastal zone. The rocky shore organisms demonstrate a variety of adaptations that match such a dynamic environment.

The woodland & moorland environment  2010 Dates

Woodlands are home to a huge diversity of plants and animals. Plants ranging from the diverse canopy forming trees through to the shrubs and shade-loving ground dwelling flowering plants, ferns and mosses to the lush lichen communities of tree bark all support a variety of insects, birds and other animals. Long periods of deforestation have created a variety of moorland habitats. These man-made habitats require constant management to maintain the variety of dwarf vegetation of heathers, sedges and grasses needed for agriculture or sport reasons. Learn about special soil types as well as their wildlife and conservation.

The river & bog environments   2010 Dates

A look at the invertebrate life found in our rivers will introduce to you a world in miniature. Adaptations made to hunt, burrow and survive in this environment have produced some amazing creatures. The impacts of pollution sources can also be seen through the presence of indicator species. Continuing the theme of miniature species and wet habitats we look at the cooler and wetter environment of bogs. Britain holds a significant proportion of the world’s bogs whose peaty soils have developed as conditions are too cold and wet for plant remains to decay normally. Discover plants that have since evolved to capture and digest insects in the search for nutrients unavailable from the peat in this specialist habitat.

The sand dune environment   2010 Dates

The ever-changing environment of the sand dunes causes numerous problems for plants to establish and grow. These dry habitats are colonised by specialist plants that allow a host of species to invade and succeed as a result of their actions. Dry conditions give way to damper and more stable conditions, each with their own unique set of conditions for which plants have to adapt to survive. A popular environment for day-trippers and holiday makers to avoid coastal winds have caused erosion issues addressed with a variety of measures to halt the destruction of these fragile habitats.

2010 Course Dates