Training/Events: July-Oct 2017

TRAINING, WORKSHOPS & EVENTS: JULY - OCTOBER 2017

Wildwood is proud to announce details of their upcoming summer training courses, workshops and events for professionals, students and nature lovers. All levels of experience are welcome to attend. For enquiries and to book, please contact us on 01227 711 471 or email courses@wildwoodtrust.org

Introduction to Bat Ecology and Conservation Saturday 1st July Tutor: Hazel Ryan Aimed at those interested in bats or just starting out in bat work. This course provides a general background to the ecology and biology of these fascinating mammals with a particular focus on bats in Kent and the work of Kent Bat Group. Includes survey methods, monitoring, bat identification, meeting live captive bats and a visit to our bat flight cage. 10.00am - 4.40pm  £30 per person * In partnership with Kent Bat Group.

Dormouse Handling and Surveying Workshop Saturday 8th July. Saturday 12th August. Saturday 2nd September Tutor: Suzanne Kynaston This course is aimed at ecological consultants and those in training for their dormouse handling licence. A classroom session on survey methods followed by handling, sexing and weighing captive dormice under supervision. Limited to 6 places per workshop. 10.30am - 4.00pm £55 per person

Badger Ecology and Field Signs Sunday 23rd July Tutor: David Williams This workshop will provide a comprehensive background in badger biology and ecology. Learn techniques used to survey badgers and gain an understanding of the threats that they face. We will then visit a woodland site to look at field signs before meeting Wildwood’s captive badgers. Own transport required for off-site visit. 10.00am - 4.00pm £30 per person

Badger Ecology, Survey Techniques and Mitigation Tuesday 5th September Tutor: David Williams A classroom session to provide a sound background in badger biology and survey techniques, including field signs, followed by a ‘Badgers and the Law’ Q & A session and a mitigation case study. Badgers and bovine TB will also be discussed. Designed for professionals such as ecological consultants, land managers and planners. This course will be held at Mote Park in Maidstone. 10.00am - 4.00pm £50 per person * Course includes an afternoon field visit to an active badger sett to see field signs.

Bears: Their Natural History and Conservation Sunday 10th September Tutor: Suzanne Kynaston Bears are possibly the most charismatic of all the carnivores and have come to be symbolic of the natural world. This course aims to give an insight into this unique family, covering their evolution, how they live, what they eat and how they are adapted to their habitats. Bear mythology and conservation will also be discussed. Includes a visit to Wildwood’s own rescued brown bears to find out their story. 9.30am - 2.30pm £30 per person

Harvest Mouse Ecology and Surveying Saturday 30th September Tutor: Steve Kirk This course is for anyone wishing to participate in the Wildwood Harvest Mouse Survey. Learn about the key factors affecting the status and distribution of harvest mice in this project. An opportunity to examine a variety of harvest mouse nests and gain the practical surveying experience in the field needed for the surveys. Meet at Capstone Country Park, Medway. 10.00am - 4.00pm Free for survey volunteers * In Partnership with Kent Mammal Group (KMG)

Small Mammal Survey Skills Saturday 7th October Tutor: Suzanne Kynaston Learn how to survey for our smallest mammals using live, humane traps. Includes handling, sexing and identification, trap designs and mechanisms and principles of baiting and setting traps, surveying methods and legislation. 9.30am - 4.30pm £30 per person * In partnership with Kent Mammal Group (KMG) * Book together with Kent Mammal ID Course held on 28.10.17 for £50.

Autumn foraging in Egerton Sunday 8th October Tutor: Steve Kirk Join us on a treasure hunt for nature’s wild harvest. Discover the foraging opportunities in different habitats. Learn to identify and gather wild fruits, roots, nuts and berries. Return with your harvest and find out the best ways to cook and preserve them, with live cooking demonstrations. Finally, sample some freshly prepared wild fare from the Autumn bounty. The morning session will consist of a forage for 2-3 hours in different habitats. The afternoon session will consist of a short forage in the garden and woods and then wild food tasting and a cooking demonstration. 10.00am - 4.00pm Costs: £15 for just the morning or afternoon session or £25 for the whole day. * Please inform us in advance of any intolerances or allergies – e.g. nut, dairy, gluten or others. We will try to accommodate or inform you if the course is unsuitable.

Kent Mammal Identification Saturday 28th October Tutor: Hazel Ryan Learn how to identify our larger mammals from their tracks, signs and sightings. Includes a tour of the park to see some of the animals in the flesh and a close up examination of skins, skulls and antlers. Please note that this course does not include mice, voles or shrews which are covered in the Small Mammal Survey Skills course. 9.45am - 4.15pm £30 per person * In partnership with Kent Mammal Group (KMG) * Book together with Small Mammal Survey Skills course on 7.10.17 for £50.

Important Information: * Minimum age for all courses is 18yrs unless specified. All under 18s must be accompanied by a paying adult. * All courses are held at Wildwood Trust, unless otherwise specified, and include Wildwood entry fees and materials. Wildwood does not provide transport. * All courses are booked directly with Wildwood unless otherwise stated, please check listing for details. * All courses must be paid for at the time of booking and are non-refundable unless cancelled by Wildwood. * Lunch is not provided. Participants are welcome to bring a packed lunch or purchase lunch in the Wildwood Cafe.

Download a pdf version here

Wildwood Trust Herne Common Herne Bay Kent CT6 7LQ Registered Charity No: 1093702 Wildwood: 01227 711 471 courses@wildwoodtrust.org