Floodplain Meadows Partnership Ambassadors

Project leader(s): Emma Rothero

Theme: STEM engagement
Project faculties: STEM
Status: Archived
Date: May 2019 to February 2025

The Floodplain Meadows Partnership ran a 3-year long training programme for volunteers (called FMP Ambassadors) to become more familiar with the scientific methods of assessment for managing and restoring species rich floodplain meadows. This project wanted to explore what had been learned by trainees as a result of the training and to assess ways to set up and maintain an active community of practice.

To assess learning, three questionnaires were designed and completed, at the start, middle and end of the training. To set up a community of practice, an Open University Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) was trialled.

The project found that Ambassadors had improved their knowledge and confidence in floodplain-meadow assessment and monitoring methods. They felt more able to give advice to others and were seen as local experts within their organisations.

The VLE was not an effective mechanism for external volunteers. It was difficult to access and use, and did not provide a user-friendly method for storing files. Instead, a Teams SharePoint was set up, monthly topic-based online meetings established and annual face-to-face get togethers are organised.