Conservation science

This course will provide a broad overview of modern conservation science. We will begin by exploring some of the myriad threats facing natural ecosystems worldwide and what impacts these are having on biodiversity and the functioning of ecosystems. We will go on to explore new approaches to tackling these threats including strategies to prioritise conservation action, engage members of the public and even big business in conservation, bring wildlife into city centres, and even replace extinct species. The course will include a fieldtrip to Hayley Wood SSSI and a practical class in the Madingley Hall grounds.

Course programme

Friday 8 April 2016

Please plan to arrive between 16:30 and 18:30. You can meet other course members in the bar which opens at 18:15. Tea and coffee making facilities are available in the study bedrooms.

19:00 Dinner
20:30 Key challenges in global conservation
22:00 Terrace bar open for informal discussion

Saturday 9 April 2016

07:30 Breakfast
09:00 Biodiversity decline
10:30 Coffee
11:00 Practical session in the Madingley grounds
12:30 Free
13:00 Lunch
14:00 Field trip to Hayley Wood (Please bring appropriate footwear and clothing)
18:30 Dinner
20:00 Reasons to conserve biodiversity
21:30 Terrace bar open for informal discussion

Sunday 10 April 2016

07:30 Breakfast
09:00 Human interactions with the natural world
10:30 Coffee
11:00 The future of conservation
12:30 Free
12:45 Lunch

The course will disperse after lunch.