Level 1
Online training: You will need to read, watch and complete quizzes on various introductory themes. You will also be introduced to a few species which are common, but also some which are less commonly seen, yet important to keep an eye out for, such as Climate Change Indicators (CCIs) and Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS).
On-shore training: In addition to the training, you will find onshore support by way of the additional group Shoresearch Cymru sessions and help to carry out Self-led surveys.
Throughout, you can mix and match to ensure you gather the information you need to suit, to some degree, the way you learn. There is no requirement to move beyond level 1 training to carry on volunteering with Shoresearch Cymru. If you want to move through to level 2, however, you will need to complete all online and on-shore sessions, reach a level at which you are confident to move on and which reaches a level of understanding of species ID and survey ability required to pass the various quizzes and on-shore checks.
Level 1 online training headings:
How to find and ID species part 1 – learning how to find species on shore and getting to know the shore heights.
How to survey – introduction to the Shoresearch surveys and what you will need to complete the surveys.
Your data – what happens to your data and a brief introduction to Marine Protection Areas (MPAs).
How to find and ID species part 2 – learning about species groups, what features to look for and where to look.
Species ID learning how to ID some of the common, INNS and CCI species and particular species groups.
On-shore surveys:
You will carry out various surveys, initially as part of the survey group, but also complete two self-led walkover surveys and submit a survey form for each. Whilst out with survey leaders you will also answer some ad hoc questions to help ensure the mix of online and on-shore training is successfully helping to build your survey skills and ID knowledge.