20 a Day (10) Flashcards
Give the names of two virtual fence systems
eShepherd and Nofence
In which countries are virtual fence systems using GPS currently in use?
Australia and Norway
What is the only virtual fencing product available in the UK as of 2020?
Nofence
What traditional methods does the virtual fencing system help farmers avoid?
Traditional penning or electrical fencing
How can graziers manage the virtual fencing system?
Using a smartphone (e.g., the “fenced-in” area can be mapped on a phone)
What powers the GPS collars used in the virtual fencing system?
Solar energy
True or False: The Nofence system allows livestock monitoring from anywhere in the world.
True
What is the Nofence boundary considered as?
A zone- a Nofence boundary is not an exact line, rather it’s a zone where going deeper emits a warning sound of increasing pitch (until eventually an electric pulse is emitted).
What happens if animals stay within the Nofence boundary?
They won’t notice anything at all
What occurs when an animal enters the warning zone of the Nofence?
The collar emits audio signals in advance of an electric pulse - this serves as a warning mechanism to deter the animal from crossing the boundary.
What do animals learn to associate with the audio signals in the NoFence system?
The electric pulse - animals quickly learn that the audio signals indicate an impending electric pulse.
How many warning zones are there in the NoFence system?
Three warning zones - each zone has escalating consequences for crossing.
What happens if an animal crosses all three warning zones in a NoFence system?
It is reported as escaped and a notification is sent through the mobile app - the system deactivates audio signals and electric pulse to avoid discomfort.
What does the NoFence system do if the animal returns to the grazing area?
The system is reactivated automatically, and the grazier is notified that the animal has returned.
How does the NoFence app notify the grazier about an escaped animal?
It sends a notification to the smart phone, and the collar continues to report the animal’s position.
Is it possible for NoFence collars to run out of battery?
No, because they are solar powered.
Give one benefit of NoFence over a traditional electric fence
If an electric fence fails, then all the animals can escape
Give one downside of NoFence
If it begins to rain, animals may head uphill to drier grounds, causing them to enter the warning zone where they may be shocked.
How do animals respond to being shocked by NoFence collars?
They’ll turn around and trot for a few steps before resuming normal behaviours.
How long does it take for cattle to learn how the NoFence shock system works?
Only a couple of days (wow!)
When using NoFence, should you try to teach the animals where the boundaries are (e.g., by using food)?
No, you must let them discover the boundaries by themselves.
- What type of rake is this?
- What’s it mainly used for?
- A spring rake!
- Use it to remove grass litter and thatch!
- What type of rake is this?
- When would you use it?
- A soil rake!
- Use it to scarify the soil when broadcasting seeds!
When sowing seeds, how many grams do you need per square meter?
Roughly 3-5g of seeds per m2!
How do you prepare short grass for seed broadcasting?
- Rake the grass with a spring rake to remove the thatch.
- Then use a soil rake to scarify the soil (do this in multiple directions)
Can you just leave seed mixes on bare soil?
Maybe, but it’s best to rake them in a bit after broadcasting them
How many different seed mixes might you want for a small pond area?
You may need as many as three different mixes (e.g., some for less biodiverse areas, some for wetter areas etc).
What are these?
Badger scrapes!
What’s this block on the front of this tractor?
A counter-balance (to balance the tractor if there’s something being towed).
Why do tractor trailers need brakes?
If the tractor suddenly stops, then the trailer will ram into the back of the tractor and flip it over (if it has no brakes)!
Where are the two “triangles of death” on a tractor?
- One in front of it
- One at the back (pointing away)
What can’t you keep inside of a tractor?
Nothing - not even a bag or a thermos
- What part of a tractor is this?
- Why is it dangerous?
- What must it be covered with?
- A power take-off shaft
- It spins while the engine is running, meaning loose clothing and hair can get caught in it
- Make sure that it’s covered with a protective sheath
- How do you enter a tractor?
- How do you leave one?
- Enter facing the tractor
- Exit while still facing the tractor
- When do tractor tyres require a high pressure?
- When do they need a low pressure?
- High pressure when on the road
- Low pressure when on fields
What’s more important: correct tractor tyre pressure or balance?
Balance (front and back)
What is the recommended depth for below ground hibernacula according to Natural England?
Between 30cm and 50cm deep
What type of soil is prone to flooding over winter, affecting hibernacula usability?
Heavy clay soils - this is why you don’t dig a hole for hibernacula on soils that aren’t free draining.
What is the purpose of covering a hibernacula with turf?
To ensure frost free protection for any animals using it.
What type of grass can be used to cover a hibernacula?
Grass sods from the surrounding area.
What is an alternative to using grass sods for covering a hibernacula?
Capping the hibernacula with wildflower turf.
How many native wildflower and grass species can be added by placing wildflower turf on top of a hibernaculum?
Up to 33 native wildflower and grass species.
What is the significance of hibernacula hotels in newt population enhancement?
They can improve newt populations when hibernation space is bottlenecked.
What are the benefits of locating hibernacula close to ponds for amphibians (2 Points)?
Reduces migration distance, therefore…
* Predation risk is reduced
* Reduced desiccation risk during migration.
What factors should be avoided when selecting hibernacula locations?
Road crossings or other obstacles that may increase mortality.
- Towards which direction do newts tend to orient when leaving the pond?
- Why is this knowledge useful?
- Forests and other scrubby bits.
- Therefore, hibernacula should be located next to scrub and forests!
What knowledge is required for effective hibernaculum placement (Hint: wandering frogs)?
Knowledge of migration routes and hibernation facilities!
Why do hazel coppice coupes need to be assessed?
To gauge the potential commercial worth of the coppice
Why is tidiness important when assessing coppice?
To ensure a good relationship for future access and to avoid wasting time (time is money!)
What are the three main factors for grading a coppice coupe on a scale of 1 to 4 grades (4 being the worst)?
- Stool Density
- Number of rods per stool
- Quality of the rods
What is the usual stool density range for hazel coppice?
1000-2000 stools per hectare
How many hazel rods can a single stool produce?
As many as 60+
What is the minimum length for quality rods?
7 feet long (roughly 2m)
What is the rod yield and hurdle production for Grade 1 hazel coppice?
30,000 plus rods per hectare, producing 1800 ft of hurdle
What is the rod yield and hurdle production for Grade 2 hazel coppice?
20,000 plus rods per hectare, producing 1200 ft of hurdle
What is the rod yield and hurdle production for Grade 3 hazel coppice?
10,000 plus rods per hectare, producing 600 ft of hurdle
What is the rod yield for Grade 4 hazel coppice?
Less than 10,000 rods per hectare with a yield of less than 40% usable rods
Do birches cast a lot of shade?
No, they don’t!
How does the airflow behave at an untreated forest edge?
The airflow is forced upwards and returns towards the ground downstream, creating a zone of increased risk. Damage initiation during storms is likely in this zone.
What is a benefit of treating the abrupt nature of the forest edge?
It is likely to reduce wind loading on edge trees and lessen the impact of downward return flow. This will protect trees from damage inside the forest.
What is the effect of tapered edges on airflow?
They direct airflow upwards in a more gentle manner, reducing wind loading on edge trees.
What do graduated density edges do?
They present a more gradual transition from open ground to forest and allow air to filter through. This reduces wind speed.
True or False: Tapered edges increase wind loading on edge trees.
False
Tapered edges actually reduce wind loading.
What is the consequence of airflow being forced upwards at an abrupt forest edge?
It creates a zone of increased risk for damage downstream.
Why might you want slower-growing tree species at the edge of a forest?
To create a tapered/sloping forest edge to help reduce windblow.
- Should sloping/tapered forest edges be step-like or gradual transitions in height?
- How tall should edge trees be?
- Edges should gradually increase in height, and not be step-like
- Edge trees should be half the height of the main crop
- What’s a graduated forest edge?
- Why are they beneficial?
- An edge that isn’t very dense (e.g., trees are their adult heights apart from each other).
- Graduated edges can help to reduce windspeed.
When is the best time to work on a woodland edge?
When the trees inside the forest are as young as they can be.
What is the predation rate inside some nest boxes compared to natural holes?
Lower, thus improving species survival rate.
What do birds prefer regarding nest materials and ectoparasites?
Clean nest boxes without external parasites.
How does the depth of a nest box affect birds’ ability to avoid predators?
A deeper nest box can help birds avoid predators.
What can happen if a nest box is too wide?
Predators can easily enter and exit.
What effect does concealment of a nest box have on nest boxes?
It can reduce nest predation and potential reproductive failure.
Which colors are preferred for nest boxes to improve camouflage?
Green or brown coloring.
In studies, which nest box color had the highest attraction rate for cavity-nesting birds?
Red.
What can predators identify nest boxes as after experimentation?
Food sources - this indicates that through trial and error, predators learn to associate nest boxes with food.
What happens to predation rates in areas with a high density of nest boxes?
They rise rapidly - this suggests a correlation between the number of nest boxes and increased predation (as predators gradually learn that boxes = food).
How does the accumulation of nesting materials in old nest boxes affect box depth?
It reduces box depth and shortens the distance between the entrance and the eggs or nestlings.
What is the relationship between increased distance from the entrance of a nest box to the eggs and predation risk?
An increase in the ‘dangerous distance’ will increase predation risk.
- What effect does a heavy parasite burden have on nestlings?
- What does this emphasise the importance of?
- It may cause nestlings to call louder, thus attracting predators.
- This emphasises the importance of cleaning nest boxes with boiling water.
- What do some predators do in relation to old nest boxes?
- What might be recommended?
- Some predators may recheck old nest boxes on which they have previously preyed.
- Therefore, moving nest boxes that have been attacked may be advisable.
Is the predation risk on old nest boxes higher or lower than that of new ones?
Higher than that of new ones (because predators are aware of their existence).
Why is suitable humidity crucial in nest boxes (2 Points)?
It is crucial for the development of embryosand nestlings (higher humidities are preferred) and for managing parasite load.
What negative impact does a dry microclimate have on nestlings?
It negatively impacts nestling health.
How do natural cavity nests compare to nest boxes in terms of climate regulation?
Natural cavity nests have better climate regulation than nest boxes (e.g., natural holes have better humidity).
What benefit does the dampness inside natural cavity nests provide to embryos?
It supplements the water consumed by the embryo due to rising temperature.
References: Rahn et al., 1977
What challenge do nest boxes face regarding humidity?
It is challenging to maintain high humidity in nest boxes.
What environmental conditions in nest boxes favor fleas and other parasites?
Warm and dry environmental conditions and accumulated nest materials (this is bad for nest boxes since they struggle to maintain humid environments).
References: Rendell and Verbeek, 1996
What effect does high humidity in natural cavity nests have on ectoparasites?
It may inhibit the survival of some ectoparasites, such as fleas.
What factors may affect internal temperature and micro habitats in nest boxes?
Nest box thickness
Goldingay, 2015; Strain et al., 2021
Why is nest box thickness important?
It affects heat preservation capacity for buffering against unsuitable temperatures
Compared to thin-walled plywood nest boxes, which type shows superior thermal insulation performance?
Thick-walled pine nest boxes
In what direction should nest boxes face in the northern hemisphere?
North west or north east.
How do decaying logs contribute to forest regeneration?
They enhance seedling establishment, particularly in spruce-dominated forests.
List three benefits of dead wood in forest soil.
- Increases carbon storage
- Enhances water holding capacity
- Improves cation exchange capacity
How much carbon is estimated to be stored in dead wood globally?
About 8% of the current carbon stock in the world’s forests.
What was the average underestimate of volume when using diameter class counting?
About 10%
This underestimation is likely due to undetected dead trees and misclassification of large dead trees.
Which method is the fastest for assessing dead wood volume?
Diameter class counting
True or False: In dead wood diameter class counting, individual trees are examined.
False - this method provides an estimate of total dead wood volume rather than detailed information on each tree.
What dead wood variables are important during dead wood assessments (3 Points)?
- Volumes by tree species
- Diameter class
- Decay stage
Which method can be used to assess the total volume of dead wood within a forest?
Diameter class counting
- What criteria is used to classify highly decayed stages of dead wood?
- Why is this bad?
- The piece ‘no longer maintains its shape’ and ‘spreads out on the ground’
- These criteria make it difficult to accurately measure the volume of dead wood.
True or False: Higher decay stages of dead wood are easy to measure.
False - the properties of highly decayed wood complicate accurate volume measurement.
What is the most common motivation for individuals to engage in environmental volunteering?
Enjoyment of nature and the outdoors (this motivation is not universal among all volunteers).
What are the two bases of motivation for volunteers?
- Aesthetically based
- Philosophical approaches to life
What is one way to thank volunteers on the day they volunteer (Dead simple)?
Ensuring local staff say thank you to them
What incentive is given to long-serving volunteers?
Long service badges
What benefit do volunteers often receive after contributing over 50 hours?
Volunteer cards for discounts
What are the four main ways in which volunteers can be motivated to do work?
- Saying thank you (very underrated) - newsletters and awards also help with this
- Long-term incentives - volunteer cards and long-time service awards
- Training - volunteers may get courses funded for them, which is important if they want to get into the sector themselves
- Involvement in decision making - Annual General Meetings (these include extra opportunities to say thank you)
What is the focus of the new reward and recognition scheme discussed by National Trust?
To move away from long service and quantity of hours to quality and impact of the volunteer.
Why is the National Trust reviewing its reward scheme?
Because patterns of volunteers are changing, with more short-term and less long-term volunteering expected in the future.
What are the four main themes relating to the benefits of having volunteers in organizations?
1) Extending the organisation’s work
2) Promoting proenvironmental thinking and potential behaviour change
3) Beneficial impact on the individual and their community
4) Encouraging identification with the organisation and its objectives
How do volunteers help extend an organisation’s work?
By allowing the organisation to do more work at little extra cost
What potential behaviour change do volunteers promote?
Proenvironmental thinking and creating a new environmental culture
What diverse aspects do volunteers bring to the organisations they serve?
Diverse experiences and richness of people’s backgrounds
What are the direct costs associated with having volunteers?
- Costs related to equipment
- Transport (including reimbursing travel)
- Arranging social activities for volunteers (e.g., BBQs)
What training costs (financial and time) are involved with managing volunteers?
- Costs of training volunteers
- The time and cost needed to train staff for developing and managing volunteers.
How are health and safety requirements viewed by organizations with volunteers?
They are seen as a cost and time issue, with concerns that stringent standards hinder work.
When talking about the benefits of volunteering, what will the majority of volunteers talk about?
Being outside (this applies to both countryside and urban volunteers)
What is a benefit of working on one site for volunteers?
Becoming very familiar with it and observing small changes - familiarity with a site can enhance the volunteering experience.
What enjoyment do volunteers find during their activities over a long period of time?
Watching changes over the seasons - seasonal changes can enhance the volunteering experience by providing visual and emotional rewards.
- What effect does volunteering have on self-esteem?
- Why?
- It can improve condfidence, especially for those with low self-esteem.
- Volunteers note that putting something back makes them feel good about themselves.
How does respect from others influence volunteers (Hint: confidence)?
The respect paid to volunteers by others is important for their confidence - this respect contributes to the overall positive impact of volunteering..
What do most volunteers report about the physical benefits of their activities (2 Improvements)?
- Volunteers reported improvements in sleep
- Reduced gym frequency
What do retired volunteers mention about their physical condition after working?
They talked about feeling stiff the next day (in a good way).
What term do volunteers like to use when describing the social aspects of volunteering?
“Camaraderie”
How does the RSPB focus on volunteer management?
By matching people to necessary skills and tasks - the RSPB prioritises skill alignment for effective volunteer involvement.
- What issues might arise with volunteers (3 Points)?
- What does this emphasise the need for?
- Not following procedures, performing poorly, or being critical of the organization.
- These issues reflect the need for careful management similar to paid employees.
How might some employed staff feel negatively about managing volunteers?
They may feel they have little control.
What are the three main barriers that prevent people from volunteering?
- Lack of awareness
- Groups are already at capacity
- Transport issues
What should the water in a drainage ditch be clear enough to enable?
The ditch bottom to be visible
What are the main threats to drainage ditch communities (4 Points)?
- Gross fluctuations in water level or permanent lowering of water level
- Water pollution, notably nutrient enrichment from agricultural runoff
- Spread of invasive alien species
- Inappropriate management
What can insufficient clearing of vegetation and silt from a drainage ditch lead to?
Shallowing and loss of open water through encroachment of reedswamp
This can severely affect the ecological balance within the ditch.
What is a consequence of over-management of drainage ditches?
A severe reduction in the quantity and quality of aquatic vegetation
What results from unsuitable profiling of drainage ditches?
Steep-sided, uniform channels and consequent loss of shallow water species
- What happens when bankside vegetation is insufficiently managed?
- Why is this bad?
- Tall herbaceous and woody vegetation dominate and shade out aquatic vegetation
- This can lead to decreased light availability for aquatic plants, affecting their growth.
What influences the choice of attributes for monitoring the condition of ditches?
The threats to ditch communities - monitoring attributes are selected based on the specific challenges faced by these ecosystems.
What are the consequences of routine maintenance activities (2 Points)?
- Disrupt existing ecology
- Adversely affects water quality
What issue can unstable ditches generate (4 Points as to why this is bad)?
Significant quantities of sediment
* Bloackages can occur, creating undercuts in the bank due to erosion
* Eutrophication can also occur downstream
* Vegetation will be unable to grow on banks
* Fences that are adjacent to the ditch will also become unstable
During ditch maintenance, what is a common job done more regularly than digging out the ditches themselves?
Removal of vegetation growing on the side of a ditch with a flail or hedge cutter.
What are the functions of vegetation at the side of a ditch (3 Points)?
- Valuable habitat
- Buffer strip to prevent leaching of chemicals into the watercourse
- Prevents soil erosion into the ditch bottom, reducing the need to dig the dith out
What is a recommended practice for maintaining vegetation on ditch sides?
Flailing one side of the ditch each year in rotation
What are the benefits of only cutting one side of a ditch (in a year)?
- Maintains habitats for a variety of species
- Allows vegetation to maintain integrity of the ditch wall (e.g., preventing erosion).
What is one method to enhance wildlife habitats in ditches (Hint: nice and deep)?
Adding deeper sections that remain wet when the rest of the ditch has dried up.
What group of organisms greatly benefit from shallow areas in ditches?
They help wading birds.
What are ‘shelves’ in the context of ditch profiles?
Shallow slopes that accommodate a wider variety of species.
What can be done with ditches that have far too many deep secitons?
Spoil can be built up to raise the water level, providing a habitat for aquatic species.
What was a major agricultural practice in the post-war period with regards to ditches?
Many ditches were straightened to create field shapes conducive to larger machinery and to remove water quickly.
What negative environmental impact can result from the straightening of ditches?
The fast flow of water encourages sediment, pesticide residue, and nutrients to pollute large watercourses
How can bends in ditches help mitigate pollution?
Bends in ditches can ‘slow the flow,’ helping to prevent pollution and reduce flood risk downstream
What benefits do slower water flow and altered ditch profiles provide?
They can create great habitats for wading birds and waterfowl without taking large areas of land out of production
