Overview

A hands-on, example driven course that provides an introduction to managing sensitive water environments.  The course looks at a number of types of groundwater and surface water dependent environments which are often designated as SSSI (Sites of Special Scientific Interest).   A basic introduction to understanding surface water and groundwater hydrology is provided.   This is then applied to a number of hydro-ecological environments.  The basis for site monitoring and the options for site water management are explored.

Who should attend

People involved in site management, whether this is sites with some water-environment interest, SSSI sites, local or national nature reserves.  Those involved in water level management plans, or managing wetland sites for other purposes such  as flood mitigation.

Course outcomes

By the end of the course, participants will have developed a basis understanding of the processes controlling water within a site and be able to develop a monitoring plan and outline a water management strategy for a site.

Topics covered

• Introduction to sensitive water environments (SSSI, SAC, NNR, LNR, SEGI, WFD etc.) – targets for favourable condition/recovering to favourable condition.
• Surface water and groundwater hydrology, hydrogeologyWater environment on sensitive sites
• Peat bogs: blanket mires, valley mires, raised mires, wetlands
• Worked example to understand the key water processes on a site
• Water management for drainage and flooding
• Land drainage, Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs)
• Washlands
• Maximising environmental benefits
• Effective monitoring on sensitive sites – what to monitor and how
• Effective water management on sensitive sites
• Case studies

Related courses

• Environmental Responsibilities of Land Drainage Authorities
• Introduction to the Hydrology of Low Flows 
• Environmental Impact Assessment for Water Level Management

Summary

• Introductory one day course
• A comprehensive set of course notes will be provided
• Counts as 6 CPD/CET hours

Presenter/s

Rachael Brady BSc MSc PGCert MIEEM 

Susan Wagstaff MA MSc C.Geol EurGeol FGS