Overview

The module contains a range of topics relevant to conservation management planning generally including: planning principles and evaluation; recreation; archaeological resource management. Management planning for protected sites; local, UK, European and international designations; the CMS planning system; monitoring techniques (Common Standards Monitoring); Use of desktop Geographical Information System (ArcGIS Pro). Risk assessment.

The module provides an opportunity to observe the planning approaches adopted by statutory bodies responsible for the management of protected sites. The quantification of site habitats with respect to the European Habitat classification and GB National Vegetation communities.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold - (D +)The document is logically structured and includes appropriate evaluation sections. Habitat components are missing. The technical parts of the document are described coherently but without synthesis of favourable conservation status to the feature. There are some errors in the setting of quantifiable objectives. Performance indicators for particular habitat components are missing or poorly defined. Factors affecting the management of the feature are included but some are poorly evaluated or missing. The conceptual model of the feature has missing components or errors in defining the factors. The standard of presentation is acceptable, with limited use of maps derived from the datasets provided. Risk massessment contains some omissions.

-good -(B+) The document is logically structured and includes appropriate evaluation. The full range of habitat components are present. The technical parts of the document are described coherently with favourable conservation status applied in defining a vision of the feature. The quantifiable objectives are appropriate. Performance indicators are complete and adequately defined. Factors affecting the management of the feature are complete and appropriately evaluated. The conceptual model of the feature is coherent, without omissions of primary or secondary factors. The standard of presentation is good, including mapping derived from the datasets provided. The risk assessment is complete and appropriate.

-excellent -{A+) The document is logically structured with the full range of habitat components present. The technical parts of the document show evidence of synthesis with favourable conservation status applied in defining a vision of the feature. The quantifiable objectives are concisely outlined. Performance indicators are complete and appropriately defined. Factors affecting the management of the feature are concisely defined with evidence of critical evaluation and application. The conceptual model of the feature is complete with primary and secondary factors appropriately defined.The standard of presentation is high, including mapping derived from spatial datasets with appropriate cartographic conventions applied. The risk assessment is succinct and complete.

Learning Outcomes

• Be able to describe a major habitat feature at a high level of definition.

• Be able to identify relevant factors, which affect a habitat feature and their relationship with the main management activities.

• Competence in writing a site risk assessment.

• Demonstrate an ability to prepare a conservation objective with a favourable conservation status vision and performance indicators for the habitat feature components.

• Demonstrate competence in the production of cartographic output using a desktop geographical information system.