Exploring Habitat

To deepen your understanding of the habitats and conservation topics covered in this series, these reputable UK organisations provide extensive learning materials, identification guides, and technical resources:

1. Comprehensive Habitat & Wildlife Guides

• The Wildlife Trusts: A fantastic starting point for learners of all ages. They offer an A-Z of habitats and specific guides for identifying British wildlife. Since there are 47 local trusts, you can also look specifically at Devon Wildlife Trust for information closer to Sidmouth.

• Woodland Trust: The go-to resource for Article 2. They provide an excellent A-Z guide to British trees and activities for families to help protect native woods.

• Freshwater Habitats Trust: Ideal for Article 6. This site features an Advice Centre with details on how to create and manage ponds for maximum biodiversity.

2. Technical Identification & Surveying

• JNCC (Joint Nature Conservation Committee): For those interested in the science behind these articles, this is where you can download the official Phase 1 Habitat Survey Handbook. It is the industry standard used by ecologists across the UK.

• UKHab.org: As mentioned in the series, the UK Habitat Classification is the modern successor to Phase 1. This site offers resources on the new professional standards for habitat mapping.

• Field Studies Council (FSC): Known for their high-quality fold-out identification charts. They offer online and in-person courses on everything from "Beginner Botany" to "Grass Identification."

3. Citizen Science & Data

• National Biodiversity Network (NBN) Atlas: This is the UK’s largest repository of biodiversity data. You can search for specific species (like the ones mentioned in our audits) and see exactly where they have been recorded in the Sidmouth area.

• Wildlife Watch: The junior branch of the Wildlife Trusts, perfect for younger learners. It is packed with ID spotter sheets and "how-to" guides for nature activities.

And there is the Sidmouth Nature 'studio with much more information and learning materials ...