RESEARCH (Drs Alma, Betts and Hill): Bat conservation Bat roost selection Biology of Craneflies British Wild Plants in Natural Associations Ecology in Europe (Maritime Alps, Swiss Alps, Provence) - various studies Geology of Abberley and the Malvern Hills Hydrobotanic effluent treatment systems for eutrophic waste waters Legally Protected British Species Macrolepidoptera of Wyre Forest, Worcestershire New Zealand forest entomology Recorders for the Flora of Worcestershire and Biological Records Centre Survey of moths of Monkwood SSSI, UK and National Moth Recording Synecological Factors and Processes of Calluna-lichen Heath Temperate broadleaved woodland ecology and management Worcestershire bryophyte recording + Dr Betts also has a Research Office in France (see link at bottom right).
ACADEME, CHARITIES AND MEMBERSHIPS: Christopher Betts have important links with academe, and support several charitable or non-commercial organisations whose work we believe to be significant, through subscriptions, donations, direct assistance, presentations, etc.
Abberley and Malvern Hills Geopark (Dr Cheryl Jones is Director of this European Geopark.) Amateur Entomologists’ Society Birmingham Natural History Society British Ecological Society British Entomological and Natural History Society British Mycological Society British Naturalists' Association (Dr Betts is a Fellow) Business Link Freshwater Biological Association Identification Qualifications (IdQ) (Dr Betts is a member of the Advisory Board.) Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (Dr Betts is a member of the Ecology Review Panel.) Institute of Biology (Christopher Betts & Company are essentially a biological sciences organisation; senior staff are encouraged to hold Charted Biologist and Registered Environmentalist status.) Institution of Environmental Sciences Natural History Museum (see IdQ above) Royal Society for the Protection of Birds Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts Royal Town Planning Institute University of Birmingham (MSc student and related projects with the Business School) University of Worcester (We have strong connections with the Department of Applied Sciences. Dr Alma is a Senior Lecturer and Dr Betts is a Research Associate.) Worcestershire Naturalists’ Club (Dr Betts is editor of the Club’s Transactions) Worcestershire Biological Records Centre Worcestershire Wildlife Trust (Most staff are longstanding members. Dr Betts’ family were among the founders.) World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) IUCN World Conservation Union + NB. Christopher Betts also work at various levels with government organisations such as Natural England (English Nature), Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs, Environment Agency, Europa/Environment/Natura 2000, etc.
CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Staff training and professional development are regarded as keystones of our reputation and efforts to deliver excellence at all levels. Below are listed some of our current and recent training and development activities delivered by qualified trainers: Badger Ecology and Impact Mitigation Barn Owl Ecology, Surveys and Signs Bat Worker Training Botanical Survey Conference for Administrative Assistants Dormouse Field Training Ecology in EIA Expert Witness Training First Aid at Work Freshwater Crayfish Identification and Training Freshwater Invertebrate Taxa Identification Grasses, Sedges and Related Taxa Great crested newt Training Habitat Management (MSc) How to Tender and the Tendering Process Negotiating Techniques Ponds and Newts Personnel Employment Law and Health & Safety Reptile Training Sustainable Drainage Systems and Ecology Time Management Water Vole Training Wild Flower Identification + A large amount of formal in-house training on a variety of biodiversity enhancement, field biology, identification, survey, habitat care & repair, and ecological techniques is also carried out throughout the year.
LIBRARY AND REFERENCE SOURCES: Dr Betts has a large library of specialist ecology and biology books, papers and other material which is available to the Practice. The maintenance and curation of this library is a considerable undertaking and responsibility. Many of the books and keys are out of print and have been collected by Dr Betts over a lifetime. The library also contains a photographic database (species, habitats, etc.) and reference collections of invertebrates, microscope slides, taxidermy, herbarium specimens and other biological material.
 |
|
|