We are pleased to offer a five-day course to train staff of environmental and other agencies, utility companies, consultancies, museums, universities and research students in the identification of the major groups of ecologically-important freshwater algae. Special consideration will be given to harmful and nuisance algae, recognition of algae responsible for ‘incidents’ and the use of freshwater algae for ecological assessment.  It is designed to be an introduction for those with limited experience of freshwater algae but, nonetheless, every effort will be made to cater for those who wish to enhance their existing taxonomic expertise and identification skills.

Tutors:  Prof. David John (NHM), Dr Martyn Kelly (Bowburn Consultancy, co-organiser), Prof. Brian Whitton (Durham), Dr David Williams (NHM, guest lecturer).

Where: The course will be held at The Angela Marmont Centre for UK Biodiversity in the Darwin Centre of the Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London, with some lectures in the Sir Neil Chalmers seminar room.

Programme: The daily programme of lectures and practicals begins at 1230 on Monday 14^th September and at 0900 on all other days.  The programme runs each day  to 1730 except on Friday 18^th September when the course finishes after lunch at 1400.

Cost: The course fee of £450 (excl. VAT) covers all tuition and loan of all material including the 2011 edition of The Freshwater Algal Flora of the British Isles.  All those attending receive a folder, a manual and a data pen with  supporting materials. Students who have been members of the British Phycological Society for at least three months may apply directly to the Society for some financial support. Details are posted on the BPS website, with the next closing date for applications 1^st May.

Participants will need to make their own arrangements for accommodation.  A list of accommodation in the London area will be sent to registrants well in advance of the course.  

How to apply: Reservations for one of the 12 available places on the course should be made to Martyn Kelly (see below).  A full refund will be made to anyone paying in advance if cancelling before 31^st July, while 50% refund will be made to anyone cancelling between then and 1^st September. All fees will be refunded in full in the unlikely event of cancellation due to the Covid-19 (coronavirus) epidemic. We are, however, unable to refund travel and accommodation costs and therefore recommend participants take out travel insurance.

Course Flyer: Download the Flyer here

FURTHER INFORMATION

Martyn G. Kelly, Bowburn Consultancy, 11 Monteigne Drive, Bowburn Durham  DH6 5QB, UK   MGKelly@bowburn-consultancy.co.uk  mobile 07711419495
David M John  d.john@nhm.ac.uk or d_m_john@ntlworld.com  phone +44(0)208-4646367 or mobile 07920124825 or Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, UK