ACTIVITIES:

Boat Based Survey Techniques

A day out on 65ft yacht Silurian to learn about marine life survey techniques from our science team, and a chance to see a number of marine animals. Survey Techniques include:

• Identifying different marine mammals (whales, dolphins, porpoises, grey and common seals)
• Estimating distance of animals from the boat
• Photo identification - how to identify individual animals
• Acoustic surveys - the use of a hydrophone to identify different marine mammal species 

Land Based Survey Techniques

Spend an afternoon finding out what signs to look for when spotting cetaceans from shore; how to identify what you see; how land based surveys differ from boat based surveys and why they are important in cetacean monitoring; how to use survey equipment to monitor boat and cetacean movements.

Marine life biology

Learn first hand about the local marine life with a make-shift aquarium containing a variety of different marine animals - different varieties of crabs, lobster, starfish etc.

Plankton Identification

Plankton are at the source of the whole marine ecosystem, collect plankton samples and identify your catch under microscopes. Learn about the rich biodiversity of the area and why the Hebrides has such productive waters.

Presentations:

Different cetacean species present in UK waters and how to identify each of them

Marine mammal behaviour, biology, ecology and acoustics

The research carried out through the Trust and how you can get involved

Discussions on topics of interest (dependent on participants) e.g.

Marine pollution and other marine conservation topics

Threats to local cetaceans

Marine national parks

Fisheries

Etc. 

Practicalities

DATES: (3 nights)

March: Friday 24 - Sunday 26

April: Wednesday 12 - Friday 14

July: Sunday 9 - Tuesday 11  1/3 discount on last minute spaces for members of marmam

September: Saturday 2 - Monday 4

GROUP SIZE:

6-9 persons

Course not suitable for children, all persons should be over 18

SUITABILITY:

The course is aimed at all who have an interest in marine life and wish to know more. Past participants have ranged from wildlife enthusiasts to those with PhD experience - all of whom have enjoyed and benefited from the course. 

This particular course is not suitable for children.  All persons should be aged over 18.

Please note that the boat is not equipped for wheelchairs, and is not suitable for those with poor balance or those who require assistance to stand.

ACCOMMODATION:

Bunk house accommodation can be provided at a cost of £12 per night: One room with 6 beds, one with 4 beds, en-suite showers in each room, self-catering kitchen facilities, small TV room, local pub within a minute's walk.

A list of B&B's can be provided for those who wish to find their own accommodation

FOOD:

We provide the bunkhouse with basic foods such as bread, margarine, spreads, milk, cereals, teas, coffee, sugar, flour, seasonings etc … We will not be providing full meals. There is a fully equipped kitchen in the bunkhouse and a pub that serves meals is located around the corner.

COST:

The 2 day, 3 night course is:

£150 per person – excluding accommodation (The last minute spaces in July are £100 per person)

Accommodation is £12 per night extra.

To book please contact Fiona Quarmby the course co-ordinator at:volunteercoordinator@hwdt.org phone us on 01688 302620 Weekdays between 10am-6pm.