Venue:  Hild-Bede College and School of Education, University of Durham, UK
Organisers:  Prof. Brian A. Whitton (Durham) and Dr David M. John (London)

Costs:  inclusive cost  is £850 (no VAT charge) and £750 for full-time students and participants from outside Europe

The aim of the course (run since 1992) is to train staff from the UK Environment Agency, SEPA, water plcs, other companies, consultancies, research students and overseas visitors in the identification of the commoner and environmentally-important microscopic and macroscopic freshwater algae.   Topics introduced will include monitoring, harmful and nuisance algae, and implications of the European Water Framework Directive.

The course is a mixture of lectures and practicals, together with an afternoon field trip. Members should arrive by 1730 on the Sunday while the daily programme runs from 0900 to 2120 each evening. It ends formally after lunch on Friday, though there is an optional trip to sites along the River Wear in the afternoon.

Dr David John and Professor Brian Whitton give the majority of the lectures.   Dr Gordon Beakes (University of Newcastle), Dr Alan Donaldson (consultant) and Dr Martyn Kelly (Bowburn Consultancy) will also contribute.

Residence and meals   Hild-Bede College is on a hill above the River Wear and has a fine view over the river and city; it also has an excellent reputation for food and drink.  Arrangements can be made for special diet requirements.  Parking is available inside the college; it is helpful, but not essential, to know in advance if you  plan to bring a car.