The Woodland Trust are the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity. Their vision is a world where woods and trees thrive for people and nature. They work to protect woods and trees, preventing the loss of irreplaceable habitat, nature and carbon stores for a healthier future for everyone.

Bryological Bioblitz and woodland habitat management with The Woodland Trust

The Woodland Trust Smithills Estate has a diverse bryological assemblage. As a central feature of the site, it is important we collect data on them through a bioblitz survey!

On the day you will learn about the importance and applications of species/habitat identification, biological recording and wider data-gathering skills. You will learn about the value of bryophytes, both in their own right and as indicator species.

In between identifying mosses, you will also be carrying out habitat management in a newly established woodland. This will give you a taster of woodland restoration practices while helping to deliver important site management objectives set out by the Smithills Estate team.

You will be joined by Laurie Wildwood, BSc (Hons) MSc MCIEEM a professional ecological consultant and botany tutor who, with his refreshing approach, aims to inspire adults and children to explore and appreciate the natural world. He has professional background is in ecology, conservation and habitat management and has been developing and leading natural history courses since 2016.

This is a chance to network with an industry expert and gain tips on how to progress into the field of ecology/botany/conservation. As always, the Woodland Trust staff are also keen to share youth and volunteering opportunities, as well as chat through ways to enter the environment sector.

No experience is needed. Suitable clothing for the weather and outdoor working is recommended. There is a porter loo and coffee hut available on site, where you can buy food and drink. 

There will also be a free tree for anyone who attends!  

We will be travelling to the Smithills Estate near Bolton by minibus after meeting on the Manchester Metropolitan Campus outside the Dalton Building on Chester Street.

This is a great opportunity to support the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity on its biggest site in England. It’s also a chance to get outdoors and see the estate’s landscape mosaic of woodland, grassland, moorland, and farmland, along with the famous Winter Hill mast – a refreshing contrast to central Manchester.

For anyone interested in green careers, this is a practical way to learn about habitat management, the Trusts role in the Northern Forest initiative and how this promotes nature recovery and climate resilience. You will also have the chance to discuss volunteer pathways into the conservation sector and learn about opportunities like the Youth Content Creation programme, Youth Councils, and practical working groups.

(Note that the classification of the Smithills Estate as a temperate rainforest may not be guaranteed – ask the Woodland Trust activity leader when you attend!)

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