LEMURS put themselves in shop window for future employers
The Lemurs that have been carrying out their essential ecological training with Warwickshire County Council have been showcasing their skills to future employers.
The LEMUR training scheme (Learning Environments in Marine, Urban and Rural areas) has seen two trainees join Warwickshire County Council’s Ecology Unit where they have been learning heritage skills which have been identified as dying out. The nine month work placement incorporates intensive practical training.
These include habitat surveying skills which identify different habitat types by looking at what species are present in different areas, as well as field identification skills which enable them to correctly identify different wild flowers, shrubs and trees.
An open day at the Malvern Hills gave the trainees the chance to showcase these skills as they put themselves on the job market. During the day, the trainees performed phase one habitat surveying where basic habitat types are assigned to parcels of land, veteran tree surveying where old trees, of great ecological value as a habitat, are identified and winter tree identification.
These skills would be used in various careers including surveying and ecological consultancy and are invaluable assets to any environmental organisations. The ecological identification of areas would be critical for local authorities seeking to address the legality and environmental implications of planning applications.
Dave Lowe, senior ecologist at Warwickshire County Council’s Ecology Unit said: “The County Council is committed to encouraging learning and was delighted to help with the development of the LEMURS. These skills are essential if we are to maintain the ecology of Warwickshire and it is imperative that we do not allow them to die out.”
Becky May, one of Warwickshire’s LEMURS, said: “The day provided a chance to practise some of the skills we have learnt in a real setting. It was an opportunity to work in some of the habitats that we will strive to preserve in future careers.”