An online training day on the UK Habitat Classification (UKHab) Version 2, a classification system for vegetation habitats used in planning, conservation and land management
About the event
UKHab has replaced Phase 1 Habitat Survey as the major habitat classification system utilised by ecological consultants and conservation professionals. UKHab’s uses include Preliminary Ecological Assessments, Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) in the Statutory Metric calculation tool for new developments or for baseline assessment and monitoring of conservation or rewilding projects.
This online course is suitable for participants with a range of experience levels, from beginners or those with a basic knowledge of Phase 1 Habitat Survey through to those with experience of National Vegetation Classification. Our course covers the most recent version of UKHab (V2) and will discuss its use for assessing habitat ‘distinctiveness values’ within BNG, highlight differences from Phase 1 and touch upon Condition assessment of habitats and Key Indicator species to help assess type of habitats.
This overview will be useful introduction for all ecological consultants, conservationists, land managers or consultees who read and comment on ecology reports for developments. Those with some botanical experience (equivalent to FISC level 3) will be able to carry out Basic level UKHab surveys for broad habitat types. For professional UKHab surveys of more specialist habitats a greater level of botanical expertise may be required.
Programme for the day (10.00 to 15.30): Timings are approximate but will be confirmed at the start of the day with attendees and there will be plenty of time for breaks and discussion:
· 10.00 Introduction and outline for the day
· 10.15 to 11.30: An Introduction and overview of UKHab v.2
· Break
· 12.00 to 13.00: How to carry out a UKHab survey
· 13.00 to 14.00: Lunch Break
· 14.00-15.30: Practice with Draft version 2 of UKHab Field Key, examples of key indicator species for grassland classification and discussion of common confusing habitat examples
Participants are recommended to download the UK Habitat Classification Documents V2 in advance of the course.
This course will give participants:
- An Introduction and overview of UKHab
- How to code and map habitats in a UKHab survey
- How to recognise UKHab habitat types, especially grassland types, through presence and abundance of Key Indicator species. How to code hedgerows, lines of trees and ditches in different scenarios.
Led by Lesley Mason PhD ACIEEM: UKHab accredited trainer and FISC level 5 botanist.
Please note that we do not charge VAT on Education so the confirmation email you are sent when booking on this course should suffice as a receipt or invoice for this event, as it contains all the booking information and charges.
If you have any questions, please email [email protected]
This course is now fully booked but we are running it again next year on 12 January and 2 February 2026
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No facilities
This is an online training course