Rarity Sighted
We always count ourselves lucky if we see an unusual bird and a member of staff (Mick), who often goes birding, actually caught up with a Black Kite flying over the student restaurant on a sunny morning in May! Although the re-introduced Red Kite is now often seen over the British countryside, its black cousin is far rarer. Well done Mick.
 Black Kite -©Wikimedia and Andreas Trepte.
Quarter of a million trees? No problem.
In 2008 Essex County Council committed the county to the planting of 250,000 trees by March 2009. Our own small contribution is the planting of two new hedgelines which has given our students plenty of opportunity to develop their practical skills.
 Emma gets her hands dirty!
Staff Profile - Ron Fryer
I was born and raised in London and gained my first degree (in Zoology) from Westminster University. I enjoyed the academic and research side so much that I went on to study for a Masters in the Biology of Water Management at Aston University in Birmingham.
My first 'proper' job was research on invertebrates with Essex Water Company. I then moved on to the analysis of waste water for a local firm in Chelmsford. I have been teaching at Writtle for some 26 years now (doesn't time fly?) and lecture on various ecology and conservation modules as well as some animal science modules.
The study of water and the creatures which live in it is endlessly fascinating – there is always something new to learn!
Barberry
Genuine wild Barberry is so rare that most people never get the chance to see it. The College is lucky enough to have a few plants which have been raised from cuttings and these have been planted out on the estate this year.
 Barberry -© Wikimedia and Sten Porse
Module Profile: Landscapes and Ecosystems
As part of a series, this is a brief profile of one of our first year modules.
This module examines the various habitats found in the UK, in particular their structure and their function. Human impact is considered in detail and the many conservation designations used in the UK are also reviewed. The aim is to give all students a sound understanding of how the landscape we see around us has evolved and why it is important.
Painted Lady Invasion!
 Painted Lady -©Wikimedia and Praveen Jayadevan In case you missed it, the UK recently had a very large influx of Painted Lady butterflies from the Continent. The College is part of an official nationwide recording scheme and on Saturday 23 May we had our highest single day count since records began!
And finally...
If you have enrolled on one of our conservation courses, we are all looking forward to meeting you in September. If you are still undecided, you are very welcome to give us a call to discuss your options.
For further information about undergraduate courses in conservation, please contact Steve Underwood on 01245 424200 or email Steve . For our Masters in Conservation Management, please contact Peter Hobson on the same number or email Peter. Please go to our website for information about Open Days
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