Conservation & Environmental Studies

Conservation and Environmental Studies

Introduction

Widespread media coverage during the past few years has led to increasing public awareness and concern about environmental concepts and issues. With this has come the realization that many of the decisions we all make on a day to day basis impinge directly on the local and wider environment, affecting not only our own quality of life, but also that of our immediate and distant neighbours, human and otherwise, on a truly global scale.

Highly complex and cumulative interactions between our environment, people, planning, politics, resources, and conservation serve not only to perpetuate an appalling disparity in the quality of life enjoyed by developed and developing nations, but stress the need for urgent and concerted efforts by us all, individuals and governments alike, to help secure a viable, and above all sustainable, future for our planet.

Doom laden predictions (usually inaccurate) and the apparent reluctance of anyone to provide the public with informed, straightforward and unbiased scientific facts has done nothing to alleviate this concern and indeed, the sensationalized debates in the tabloid press between the vested interests of governments, agrochemical and pharmaceutical multinationals and the various “green” (generally well intentioned) pressure groups, serve only to confuse us even more. This course, with two major projects, seeks to redress the balance and provide students with the insight and information which will enable them to make their own decisions and judgements on what are, after all, very complex and contentious issues.

Module 3 A sustainable future 1: Urban Britain - a question of space

Available resources, utilization, conservation and the search for alternatives ~ The United Kingdom. The role of urban areas, the urban fringe, brown and green fields waste and wasteland, contamination and pollution, redevelopment, housing, commercial and industrial development. The role of the individual, society, central and local government. Where do we go from here ~ a sense of direction.

Module 4 A sustainable future 2: Rural Britain - which way forward?

The countryside, farmers, growers and changes in farming practice Agriculture and the rural economy, integration and conservation, problem areas, woodlands and hedgerows, people, planning and resources. Access, leisure, recreation and management. A future role.

Module 5 The Countryside 1: Trees and woodlands in Britain

The natural woodland ~ ecology and diversity, trees, growth and biology. Managed woodlands, the use of timber, the environment and the needs of society, hardwoods, their use and replacement. The conifers, plantations, ecology and role in the environment.

Module 6 The Countryside 2: Hedges, field margins and roadside verges

The traditional hedgerow, definition, ecology and diversity. Management practices and conservation. Wildlife and plants of the field, an historical perspective, the importance of species and natural diversity for pest and disease control. Modern farming and its impact, conservation and economics in the field. Organic agriculture and integrated farming methods. Roadside verges, their ecology and importance.

A Summary of the Course

Module 1 The environment ~ a sustainable future?

Introduction and definitions, why conservation? Can we make a difference? Scale and perspective. Who, what, how, when and where ~ the big picture.

Module 2 Environmental concepts and issues

A global perspective - Climate change and global warming. Not if, but what and when. Human use and abuse of the environment, pollution, energy, food, health, transport, population, leisure, politics, economics and ethics. What if we...?.

Module 7 The Countryside 3: Heathlands, Chalklands and Uplands

The ecology and importance of these habitats, use, overuse and abuse, the leisure effect. Their role in the agricultural system ~ special needs, management and wildlife. A matter of survival

Module 8 The Countryside 4: Wetlands and fresh water

The hydrological cycle, man and the environment. A vital ecological niche, wildlife and balance, our use and abuse of these resources ~ a serious threat of extinction.

Module 9 The seashore and coastal margins

The coast of the British Isles ~ an extraordinary and valuable resource. Different types of seashore environments, ecology, diversity and importance. Threat and assault from all sides ~ sea, air and land ~ Man, erosion and sea levels. Conservation and exploitation.

Module 10 Conservation on our doorstep

The global perspective ~ a return. Reflections, what are YOU doing? How can I help? Your garden, the local environment and wildlife. Use, enjoy and sustain. What of the future ~ a plan for tomorrow. Conservation bodies, organizations and initiatives.