Anti-Predator Coloration Symposium

 

About the symposium

On the 4 & 5 July 2019 we will host the second Anti-Predator Coloration Symposium at our Cornwall (Penryn) Campus.

Anti-predator coloration is widespread in nature, from camouflage and startle displays to warning signals and mimicry. Research on these defences has been common since the likes of Wallace and Bates, and continues to be an active area of study today. Yet there remain many unresolved questions to answer.

The aim of the symposium is to bring together researchers at all career stages interested in defensive coloration in nature. The event will involve a mixture of short talks followed by discussions, and several workshops on key issues and unresolved questions in the subject area.

Participation is limited to 60 places in order to ensure everyone can present and attendance is on a first come first served basis. Registration is now closed, but please email us at antipredatorcoloration@gmail.com if you have any questions about the symposium or your attendance, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Attendance is completely free. However, attendees are responsible for organising and paying for their own travel and accommodation (we have given various suggestions and information below). There are several places for lunch on campus.

Note that the Cornwall (Penryn) Campus of the University of Exeter is located approximately 2 ½ – 3 hours travel from Exeter city. The campus has one of the highest numbers of behavioural ecologists found anywhere in the world. It is also located in one of the most beautiful parts of Britain with many scenic spots, beaches, and wildlife. However, it is also very touristy in July and so we strongly advise attendees to book travel and especially accommodation well in advance. Places get booked up early.

Schedule

Each talk session will comprise three five-minute talks on a related topic, followed by approx. 10 minutes of questions and discussion directed towards all three speakers and the group in general. There will be two workshop sessions, each comprising two simultaneous topics, such that participants can chose to join one of these per session. A provisional schedule is outlined below.

Thursday 4 July

  • 9.15-9.25: Welcome and Information
  • 9.30-10:30: Talks
  • 10.30-11.00: Coffee break
  • 11.00-12:30: Talks
  • 12.30-1.30: Lunch
  • 1.30-3.00: Workshops
  • 3.00-3.30: Coffee break
  • 3.30-4:50: Talks
  • 4.50-5.00: Wrap-up, information for evening plans
  • Evening: Symposium dinner

Friday 5 July

  • 9.00-9.05: Welcome and information
  • 9.05-10:35: Talks
  • 10.40-11.10: Coffee break
  • 11.10-12:40: Talks
  • 12.40-13.40: Lunch
  • 1.40-3.00: Workshops
  • 3.00-3.30: Coffee break
  • 3.30-4:55: Talks
  • 4.55-5.00: Wrap-up, information for evening plans
  • 7.00: BBQ (weather-dependent), pub trip, free time

How to get here

By train

If travelling from Exeter, take the train from Exeter St David’s to Truro, where you will need to change for the Falmouth branch line service. From here it will be a 15-20 min. journey into Penryn, Penmere, Falmouth Town or Falmouth Docks.

First Great Western offers services from London Paddington, South Wales and the Cotswolds to Cornwall. Trains run throughout the day and there are overnight sleeper services from London Paddington to Truro where you can book a cabin. Cross Country Trains offer services from the Midlands, the North and Scotland. For more information, prices and service times visit www.nationalrail.co.uk, www.gwr.com, www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk.

By bus

The First Group runs buses from train and bus stations around Cornwall. Please visit their website for information on routes, prices and times. National Express buses run all around the UK and services from Bristol, Birmingham and London connect with Cornwall. For more information please visit www.nationalexpress.com.

By car

From Exeter, take either the A30 or A38 dual carriageway into Cornwall. Follow the signs to Truro and then Falmouth. For information and updates on traffic and roadwork please visit BBC Travel. More detailed directions are available here.

By air

There are two main airports close to Falmouth: Exeter airport and Newquay airport. Exeter airport is six miles from Exeter with a regular bus service to Exeter St Davids train station. Newquay airport is predominantly served by Flybe for domestic flights. The easiest way to get from Newquay to Falmouth/Penryn is to take a taxi (approximately £50 each way, prebooking recommended). From the airport terminals it is also possible to rent vehicles to get into Falmouth through companies like Europcar, Budget, and Hertz.

Where to stay

There is a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets available. Please find some suggestions below:

Falmouth

Approximately 10-15 minutes drive/train ride from Penryn. Many beaches, restaurants and pubs on your doorstep, as well as good bus and train connections to Penryn.

Ivanhoe Guesthouse – cheap
The Jacob’s Ladder Inn – cheap
Gyllyngvase House – moderate
The Lerryn – moderate
The Westcott Guest House – moderate
Tregenna Guest House – moderate

On campus accommodation

The university offers accommodation on campus through Cornwall Plus, including en-suite rooms and self-contained flats.

Penryn

Approximately 5–10 minutes walk from campus. Small, quiet and quaint. One of Cornwall’s most ancient towns, it boasts a wealth of history.

Prospect House – cheap
Fig Tree House – moderate

Truro

Cornwall’s only city, a 15 minute drive/train ride from Penryn. Beautiful Georgian architecture, Truro Cathedral, independent shops and bustling markets, as well as good train connections to Penryn.

Chycara – moderate
Garras Farm Bed and Breakfast – moderate