Ascension : Conservation Weekly
Submitted by The Islander (Conservation Office) 07.08.2008 (Article Archived on 21.08.2008)

Phil Lambdon and Andrew Darlow from the EU Invasive Species Project have returned to Ascension to complete a survey of plants on the island.

The project is managed by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and will take place from August until November.  The main aims will be to survey the entire island and record the various plant species encountered.  This will be done by dividing the island into a grid and walking a transect (or line) across each square of the grid, recording the different kinds of vegetation and habitats.  Phil will be joined shortly by Tom Belton, who will study invasive plants on the island and develop control and management strategies for them.

If you have an interest in plants, walking or learning about geographic information systems (GIS), you help is eagerly sought.  Training in practical field surveying, botanical and GIS skills will be offered. Any interested volunteers can contact Andrew and Phil through the Conservation Centre at x6359

Reminder:  If you have a pet cat, please make sure it is wearing a collar.  Free collars are available from the Conservation Centre