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Survey Licence: |
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JamesM Member Joined: 12 Mar 2011 No. of posts: 43  View other posts by JamesM |
Posted: 17 Mar 2011 Just a quick question, how would the field herper go about applying for licence's to specifically look for heavily protected species, ie Great Crested Newts, Smooth Snakes, Natterjack Toads, etc?
Is there any way around it? Or are they only eligable for people who are registered to survey for Natural England, or Ecological Consultants/Field researchers?
Thanks. |
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Caleb Forum Coordinator Joined: 17 Feb 2003 No. of posts: 448 View other posts by Caleb |
Posted: 17 Mar 2011 Anyone can apply for licences via the NE website. You'd need two references from people who already have licences. You can work with the protected species if you work under the supervision of someone who is a licence holder- this is by far the easiest way to get experience with rare herps. If you're interested in seeing GCNs, your local ARG is probably the best place to start. |
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JamesM Member Joined: 12 Mar 2011 No. of posts: 43 View other posts by JamesM |
Posted: 17 Mar 2011 Thanks, I appreciate the advice.  |
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GemmaJF Admin Group Joined: 25 Jan 2003 No. of posts: 2090  View other posts by GemmaJF |
Posted: 17 Mar 2011 The way I did it James for my GCN licence was to work with one reference provider in the field for several nights, seeing survey techniques, practicing them etc (i.e I got to lug the bags of bottle traps around lol) for the field experience. The second reference provider (Herpetologic) just happened to also be running a field course, so a bit of class room in the morning and some field time in the afternoon. It's really not difficult at all, just takes some motivation which I know you have plenty of and of course you get to meet knowledgeable people along the way. You will in most cases need to demonstrate a certain amount of knowledge/ability to the reference provider - so worth reading up on what you can. There isn't a lot of point gaining licences unless you need them really, but the GCN licence is a must have if you want to work in herp consultancy. Just make sure you fill it in for 'all counties'. Gemma Fairchild, Independent Ecological Consultant |
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JamesM Member Joined: 12 Mar 2011 No. of posts: 43 View other posts by JamesM |
Posted: 17 Mar 2011 Thanks, Gemma! |
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Matt Harris Senior Member Joined: 03 Jun 2003 No. of posts: 196 View other posts by Matt Harris |
Posted: 17 Mar 2011 I'm not sure where you are James, but nowadays in Wales for GCNs they ask that you have attended an 'approved' training course and have undertaken 10 site visits, so people keep a log book of the times they been out with someone with a licence. It's probably best if you are named on someone else's licence first. It's changed a lot since I started out in the 90's - I just had 2 referees, no formal experience, and that was it, I got a licence. Gwent Amphibian and Reptile Group (GARG) |
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JamesM Member Joined: 12 Mar 2011 No. of posts: 43 View other posts by JamesM |
Posted: 17 Mar 2011 I'm in the Hampshire area, Southampton to be precise.
It's just apparent that Natural England are being moral pain's in the a*ses by not getting back to me as soon as possible. |
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herpetologic2 Senior Member Joined: 15 Jun 2004 No. of posts: 1369  View other posts by herpetologic2 |
Posted: 17 Mar 2011 Hi james it would be worth your while contacting the HARG about getting experience with GCN's - they are carrying out a series of surveys this year for gcns - I am also carrying out surveys on amphibians in Hampshire so if you would like to help out then please do get in touch J Vice Chair of ARG UK - self employed consultant - visit ARG UK & Alresford Wildlife |
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JamesM Member Joined: 12 Mar 2011 No. of posts: 43 View other posts by JamesM |
Posted: 17 Mar 2011 Hi Herpetologic,
I will certainly look in to getting in touch with the HARG now. Do you know if they could assist me in getting my other licenses?? Thanks. |
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herpetologic2 Senior Member Joined: 15 Jun 2004 No. of posts: 1369 View other posts by herpetologic2 |
Posted: 17 Mar 2011 They may have people who are licensed for natterjacks, smooth snakes and sand lizards - so you could volunteer for those surveys. Also SARG (vicar) have protected species survey training events - try contacting them as well. J Vice Chair of ARG UK - self employed consultant - visit ARG UK & Alresford Wildlife |
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JamesM Member Joined: 12 Mar 2011 No. of posts: 43 View other posts by JamesM |
Posted: 17 Mar 2011 http://www.hwt.org.uk/data/files/MktgMemb/volunteerenquiryfo rmv4.pdf
I am filling out the voluntry form, however it says, "What paticular type of voluntry work interests you?" I would like to conduct surveys, so which boxes do you suggest I mark in order?
James. |
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JamesM Member Joined: 12 Mar 2011 No. of posts: 43 View other posts by JamesM |
Posted: 17 Mar 2011 In order, I put:
Practical Conservation work Research and Information gathering Helping my local District group
Cheers, James. |
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JamesM Member Joined: 12 Mar 2011 No. of posts: 43 View other posts by JamesM |
Posted: 18 Mar 2011 The annoying thing is, is that it won't send it online, so I'll need to print it off and fill it out, and send it via the post.
Cheers. |
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arvensis Senior Member Joined: 15 Mar 2006 No. of posts: 445 View other posts by arvensis |
Posted: 19 Mar 2011 You could always contact John Wilkinson at ARC to see if gain a licence via them for surveying. I would also take Jon up on his offer with helping with the amphibian surveys. Mark Hampshire Amphibian and Reptile Group. |
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JamesM Member Joined: 12 Mar 2011 No. of posts: 43 View other posts by JamesM |
Posted: 22 Mar 2011 I am still waiting for Jon to get back to me on that one. I understand he may be busy being the time of the year. Will get in touch with HARG via a phone call at some time this week.
Thanks. |
- Survey Licence |