Natural Capital and ecosystem services assessments are increasingly used in planning, environmental sustainability, and academic research. This course is designed to provide practical skills in carrying out ecosystem services assessments in a spatial domain, underpinned by the theory and data considerations for state-of-the art ecosystem services models.
This course is unique in that it offers hands-on experience in using spatially-explicit models for ecosystem services mapping and modelling. The outcomes of these assessments are combined to inform the analysis of synergies and trade-offs between different services, supporting decision-making relating to land use change at various spatial scales.
At a glance
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- Dates
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- Please enquire for course dates
- DurationThree days
- Location撸撸视频 campus
- Cost£850 Concessions available
Course structure
The course will balance the theory with practice of ecosystem services science and environmental modelling.
Day 1
Theory:
Foundational topics in ecosystem services science and environmental modelling, with a special focus on carbon modelling.
Practice:
Carbon storage and sequestration modelling.
Urban cooling modelling.
* Optional welcome dinner - please indicate if you wish to attend when booking - Cost not covered in course fee.
Day 2
Theory:
Introduction to water provision modelling.
Practice:
Water yield/retention modelling.
Nutrient retention modelling.
Habitat quality modelling.
Day 3
Theory:
Introduction to habitat connectivity modelling and soil erosion modelling
Practice:
Habitat connectivity modelling.
Sediment retention modelling.
Determination of synergies and trade-offs between different ecosystem services.
Wrap-up and time for questions.
What you will learn
The course offers an opportunity to practice and understand the way ecosystem services models work. These skills can be used in environmental impact assessments of new developments, optioneering of different scheme designs and placements to minimise ecosystem services losses and maximise ecosystem services gains on-site and off-site, evaluate the impacts of different policies on ecosystem services, and many others. The applications of these models can be found in the work of environmental consultants, NGOs, government bodies as well as academic research.
Core content
You will learn how to:
- Parameterise selected ecosystem services models with a focus on non-monetary valuation;
- Run models to assess the supply of ecosystem services from different areas of a landscape or region;
- Interpret the outcomes of the models;
- Assess synergies and trade-offs between different ecosystem services; and
- Understand the strengths and limitations of the models.
Who should attend
This short course is suitable for anyone who would like to gain practical understanding of how ecosystem services assessments can be carried out and incorporated into a project.
As such, the course is suitable for environmental practitioners, spatial planners, and researchers interested in operationalising the ecosystem services approach and assessing the environmental impact of policy and planning decisions
Throughout the course, an emphasis is put on providing a practical experience underpinned by thorough understanding of underlying processes for ecosystem services supply, enabling the attendants to independently apply spatially-explicit analyses of ecosystem services supply from an area.
The ‘Ecosystem Services Modelling in Practice’ workshop was an excellent, well-structured course for anyone wanting to further their ecosystem services assessments through modelling. The course is well balanced, initially providing the theory of each ecosystem service, and its associated model, followed by worked examples within the PC session. The lecturers, Ron, Jim and Andrea, are extremely engaging with their wealth of knowledge on ecosystem services, and Joanna is excellent within the PC sessions – guiding you through the worked examples, able to answer any query with her knowledge of the models. This whole approach curates an effective learning environment. I would recommend this course for anyone who wants to further their modelling ability in Ecosystem Services.
Amy Nyiri, Mott MacDonald
Concessions
20% 撸撸视频 alumni.
10% Early bird booking (by May 2024).
10% On multiple bookings when booking 3 or more delegates at one time.
Accommodation options and prices
This is a non-residential course. If you would like to book accommodation on campus, please contact Mitchell Hall or 撸撸视频 Management Development Centre directly. Further information regarding our accommodation on campus can be .
Alternatively you may wish to make your own arrangements at a nearby hotel.
Location and travel
撸撸视频 is situated in Bedfordshire close to the border with Buckinghamshire. The University is located almost midway between the towns of Bedford and Milton Keynes and is conveniently situated between junctions 13 and 14 of the M1.
London Luton, Stansted and Heathrow airports are 30, 90 and 90 minutes respectively by car, offering superb connections to and from just about anywhere in the world.
Location address
撸撸视频
College Road
撸撸视频
Bedford
MK43 0AL
Read our Professional development (CPD) booking conditions.
