Wildwood Conservation Courses

CONSERVATION COURSES  June 2018 - September 2018

Wildwood is proud to announce details of their upcoming Summer and Autumn conservation courses for professionals, students and nature lovers. All levels of experience are welcome to attend. For enquiries, please contact us on 01227 711 471 or email courses@wildwoodtrust.org. Most courses can be booked online at https://wildwoodtrust.shop/collections/conservation-courses If you no longer wish to receive these emails, please click on the unsubscribe button at the bottom of the page.

Download and print the full leaflet here

Introduction to Phase 1 Habitat Survey (part 2) Saturday 23rd June Tutor: Dr. Lesley Mason Aimed at those who are already familiar with Phase 1 habitat survey basics as covered in day 1 (either in 2018 or a previous year) or who have learnt basic phase 1 elsewhere but want to learn more about indicator plant species for different habitat types. The whole day will be spent out in the field to experience a variety of habitats and their indicator plants including chalk grassland and neutral grassland types. We will travel to various sites across the county. Own transport required. 10.00am - 4.00pm £55 per person

Owls: Their Natural History and Conservation Saturday 23rd June Tutor: Simon Ginnaw Throughout history and across many cultures, Owls have been both feared and venerated, despised and admired, and considered wise and foolish. The real natural history of these beautiful creatures is even more fascinating, and during this day course we will delve into the adaptations, biology, and fascinating lives of our native owls, including the opportunity to meet them. Learn how we can help and conserve them and their environment. 10.00am – 4.00pm £30 per person

Badger Ecology and Field Signs Sunday 24th June 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

Bat Handling and Identification Saturday 7th July Tutor: Hazel Ryan An introduction to British bat ecology followed by species identification, handling and sexing, including health and safety precautions. A practical session will enable participants to practice handling permanent captive bats and to identify preserved specimens using a key. Aimed at those currently training towards a bat licence and requiring handling and identification practice. Some knowledge of bat ecology and UK species would be useful but this will be re-capped at the start. To participate attendees will require an up-to-date vaccination against rabies and tetanus. For full immunity against rabies a course of three vaccinations is required, spaced over 28 days. Please allow sufficient time to arrange vaccinations if booking this course. 9.45am - 4.45pm CIEEM Members £170 Non-Members £220 (Early bird booking discounts available)  In Partnership with the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM). Please book directly with CIEEM at http://events.cieem.net/Events/Event-Listing.aspx

Dormouse Handling and Survey Methods Friday 25th July and Friday 31st August Tutor: Hazel Ryan A basic introduction to dormouse ecology followed by more detailed information about dormouse survey and handling techniques including nut searches, nest identification and the use of nest boxes and nest tubes for survey and monitoring. Relevant legislation and how to complete NDMP recording forms will also be covered. Artefacts, including nests and nuts and seeds nibbled by a range of small mammals, will be available for close examination. A practical handling session will enable participants to check nest boxes in our captive enclosures and to handle, sex and weigh adult dormice. There may also be the opportunity to observe or handle baby or juvenile dormice depending on time of year and breeding success. 9.45am - 4.45pm CIEEM Members £170 Non-Members £220 (Early bird booking discounts available)  In Partnership with the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM). Please book directly with CIEEM at http://events.cieem.net/Events/Event-Listing.aspx

Dormouse Handling and Surveying  Saturday 28th July, Saturday 11th August and Sunday 26th August Tutor: Suzanne Kynaston This workshop 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

Dormouse Ecology and Conservation Saturday 18th August and Saturday 22nd September Tutor: Hazel Ryan This one day course is recognised as the definitive course on dormouse ecology and monitoring. It is ideal for those with a general interest or those working towards their Dormouse Handling Licence. Included is a field visit to check nest boxes, information on relevant legislation and often the opportunity to handle a dormouse under supervision with guidance on best practice. 9.30am - 4.45pm £94 per person In partnership with the Mammal Society. Please book direct with the Mammal Society at http://www.mammal.org.uk or by phoning 023 8001 0984.

Introduction to Bat Ecology and Conservation Saturday 25th August 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 - 4.30pm £30 per person In partnership with Kent Bat Group

Mammal Identification Weekend by the Mammal Society Friday 31st August-Sunday 2nd September Tutor: Suzanne Kynaston The Mammal Identification Weekend provides a great chance to learn the key distinguishing features of all UK mammal species. Classroom sessions will cover the key visual clues to identification, tracks, feeding signs, nests, burrows, sounds, droppings & skeletal remains. There are plenty of opportunities to develop your practical skills during six field-based sessions focusing on small mammal trapping, field signs, handling small mammals and the analysis of owl pellets. Successful completion of the course and optional assessment leads to the FSC accredited certificate in basic mammal identification. Prices include accommodation and meals, single rooms are available at a supplement. Non-residential places are available on request. This course will take place at Juniper Hall Field Centre, Old London Road, Dorking RH5 6DA From £195 per person  In partnership with the Mammal Society. Please book direct with the Mammal Society at http://www.mammal.org.uk or by phoning 023 8001 0984.

Badger Ecology, Survey Techniques and Mitigation Tuesday 4th September Tutor: David Williams A course designed for professionals such as ecological consultants, land managers and planners. There will be a morning classroom session to provide a sound background in badger biology and survey techniques, including field signs, followed by a ‘Badgers and the Law’ Q and A session and a mitigation case study. Badgers and bovine TB will also be discussed. In the afternoon, there will be a field visit to an active badger sett to see field signs. This course takes place at Mote Park in Maidstone. 10.00am - 4.00pm £50 per person

Introduction to Spider Identification and Ecology Saturday 8th September Tutor: Steve Kirk Learn how to identify British spiders reliably and understand their role in the ecosystem. Spend time out in the field finding spiders in their natural habitats. Guidance will be provided for those interested in becoming involved in spider recording and there will be opportunities to discuss their conservation. 10.00am - 4.00pm £30 per person

Autumn foraging in Egerton Saturday 22nd September 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. Meet at Egerton Village Hall 10.00am - 4.00pm £30 per person

Harvest Mouse Ecology and Surveying Saturday 29th September Tutor: Steve Kirk This course is for anyone wishing to participate in the Kent Harvest Mouse Survey. Learn about the ecology and the key factors affecting the status and distribution of harvest mice in this country. An opportunity to examine a variety of harvest mouse nests and gain the practical surveying experience in the field needed for the survey. 10.00am - 4.00pm  Free for survey volunteers In Partnership with the Heritage Lottery Fund and Kent Mammal Group (KMG)

Water Vole Ecology, Conservation and Handling Saturday 6th October Tutor: Hazel Ryan Suitable for all levels of experience, this informative one day event focuses on one of our most iconic river dwelling mammals, the water vole. The course includes information on identifying field signs, habitat requirements, their ecology, legal protection and their predators / threats. The course will also include an opportunity to see captive water voles in situ and handle /sex the water vole under supervision. A CPD certificate will be sent after the course. 9.30am - 4.30pm  From £94 per person In partnership with the Mammal Society. Please book direct with the Mammal Society at http://www.mammal.org.uk or by phoning 023 8001 0984.

Coming soon: Saturday 13th October - Small Mammal Survey Skills Saturday 27th October - Kent Mammal Identification Saturday 20th October and Saturday 10th November - Introduction to Fungi

Important Information: * Minimum age for all courses is 16yrs unless specified. All under 16s 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.

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