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The Biodiversity Conference 2007 |
This meeting is being held in support of the recent designation of the New Forest as a National Park. The New Forest is widely recognised as an exceptionally important haven for wildlife, including some of the richest landscapes in the lowlands of western Europe. This is reflected in a variety of designations, with some 20 SSSIs, six Natura 2000 sites and two Ramsar Convention sites included at least partially within its boundaries. The New Forest is recognised as being of particular importance for flowering plants, bryophytes, lichens, fungi, bats and birds, as well as many invertebrate groups. Despite this, the current status and distribution of many species occurring within the New Forest is very poorly understood.
The aim of this meeting is to provide an overview of biodiversity in the New Forest, by summarizing what is currently known and identifying where the knowledge gaps lie. Specialists on different groups of organisms will present an account of current information regarding the status and distribution of species occurring within the New Forest, focusing on those of particular conservation interest or concern, and with the aim of identifying current trends in abundance. Information on the status and trends in the condition of different habitats will also be presented. The objective is to provide a forum for both naturalists and ecological researchers to present current information about biodiversity in the New Forest, with the aim of informing future management decisions and identifying particular issues of concern. Much of the information relating to biodiversity in the New Forest is widely dispersed and difficult to access, and no previous attempt has been made to provide such an integrated overview.
The meeting is being organised by the Forest Ecology group of the British Ecological Society in association with Bournemouth University, the Forestry Commission and the National Park Authority. The meeting is open to anyone with an interest in the biodiversity of the New Forest. Offers of poster presentations or displays are welcome.
A provisional programme is also available.
Please complete and submit the accompanying booking form if you wish to attend. The booking fee for the meeting is £55, which includes cost of refreshments. Lunch will also be available, but at an additional cost. Delegates are required to make their own accommodation arrangements, but a links to local accommodation can be found within the booking form page.
For further details, contact Marie Dunning, School of Conservation Sciences, Bournemouth University Talbot Campus, Poole, Dorset, BH12 5BB
Tel: 01202 965160, Fax: 01202 965046
20/03/07