Wildwood Conservation Courses

CONSERVATION COURSES  February 2019 - June 2019

Wildwood is proud to announce details of their upcoming spring and summer 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

Download and print the full leaflet here

Saturday 9th February - Kent Mammal Identification   In partnership with Kent Mammal Group (KMG) 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 Tutor: Suzanne Kynaston £30 per person   Book online

Saturday 9th March - Willow Craft   Use locally grown willow and dogwood stems to make a woven tray that could be used as a platter or a table mat. All materials included. Take home a few cuttings to plant in your garden.  Includes tips on how to grow and store materials. 2.30pm - 4.30pm Tutor: Hazel Ryan £18 per person   Book online

Saturday 16th March - Introduction to Amphibian Ecology and Surveying   In partnership with Kent Reptile and Amphibian Group (KRAG) An introduction to the identification and basic ecology of Kent’s frogs, toads and newts. Find out what makes a good amphibian pond as well as different survey techniques, finishing with a torchlight survey of a nearby amphibian population.  There will be an emphasis on newts due to the location. Own transport required. 2.00pm - 8.00pm Tutor: Mike Phillips £30 per person   Book online

Saturday 13th April - Introduction to Forest Gardening   Come and learn about this inspiring ecological gardening technique to grow our food, meet many human needs and increase wildlife. Based on principles found in nature, forest gardens will need less and less work over the years whilst providing more and more yields. The course covers ecosystem design, perennial plants, seven layers, history, design considerations, permaculture design, wildlife and rewilding. We will connect to the environment through nature awareness, foraging and observing natural ecological design principles. We will observe natural edible forest garden edges and explore the implications of this way of gardening. This one day session should give you enough information to have a go in your own garden and be inspired. 10.00am - 4.00pm Tutor: Jo Barker £40 per person.   Book online

Sunday 14th April - Spring Foraging in Egerton   In this introduction discover easily recognisable plants that are good to eat and learn how to prepare and cook them. At a variety of local sites you will learn to forage safely and identify some common edible species before returning to cook and sample your fare. Also learn about foraging and the law. Meet at Egerton Village Hall 10.00am - 4.00pm Tutor: Steve Kirk £30 per person   Book online

Saturday 20th April - Introduction to Beekeeping   An 8 week “hands-on” course for complete beginners to give you the knowledge and confidence to get your first colony. Learn the skills of this ancient art from Wildwood’s own beekeeper. Please note that this course takes place outside and is weather dependent. Changes to the timetable may be needed if weather conditions are unsuitable. Post-course advice available. Not suitable for those with medical conditions such as heart problems, asthma or allergy to bee stings. Contact us for advice if you are unsure. Dates: Saturdays from 20/4/19 to 8/6/19 inclusive. 11.00am - 4.00pm Tutor: John Holmes £100 per person (for 8 weeks)   Book online

Saturday 27th April - A Natural History of Kent’s Mammals   In Partnership with Kent Wildlife Trust * This course will provide an overview of Kent’s mammals, small and large. The focus will be on their ecology, reproduction biology and conservation issues. Their habitats and distribution in Kent will also be covered. (NB: Please note that mammal identification is covered in a separate course). The morning will be spent in the classroom, and the afternoon on a tour of Wildwood’s mammals, including a behind-the-scenes look at some of our captive breeding areas. 9.45am - 4.30pm Tutor: Suzanne Kynaston Normal fee: £33 per person Concessionary fee: Kent Wildlife Trust volunteers, senior citizens, unemployed and students £5 off. * Please book with Kent Wildlife Trust on 01622 662012 or www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk

Saturday 4th May - Hedgehogs in the Garden   A short workshop focusing on how to help hedgehogs in your garden. It will comprise a talk covering the biology, ecology and behaviour of hedgehogs and advice on hedgehog-friendly gardening. Learn how to find out if hedgehogs are visiting your garden. There will be an opportunity to meet a hedgehog up close and view footage of hedgehog behaviour. 10.00am - 1.00pm Tutor: Suzanne Kynaston £20 per person   Book online

Saturday 11th May - Wolf Ecology and Behaviour   Discover the wolf pack; the origins of wolves, how wolves communicate and the efforts being made to restore them back to the wild. Includes a visit to see our wolves, their prey and the large carnivores with which they coexist (lynx and brown bear). 10.30am - 4.00pm Tutor: Anne Riddell £30 per person   Book online

Saturday 18th May - Reptile Ecology and Surveying   In partnership with Kent Reptile and Amphibian Group (KRAG) A chance to get up close and personal to some of our most iconic and often misunderstood creatures.  An introduction to native British reptiles covering identification, basic ecology and survey techniques.  Find out how to identify the best places to look for reptiles and what habitat features they require. Includes a search for reptiles at a nearby monitoring site. 10.00am - 4.00pm Tutor: Mike Phillips £30 per person   Book online

Saturday 25th May - Plant Identification for Beginners   An introduction to plant identification for those starting to identify flowering plants. Learn to assign plants to families or species level using their parts and other useful features. The use of basic keys will be introduced. This course is an ideal basic grounding in plant ID for those interested in attending our Phase 1 habitat survey course. Own transport required. 10.00am – 4.00pm Tutor: Dr. Lesley Mason £30 per person   Book online

Friday 31st May (part 1) and Friday 14th June (part 2) - Introduction to Phase 1 Habitat Survey   Part 1: A classroom and field based introduction to Phase 1 Habitat Survey methodology to map and record sites. Ideal for professional ecologists and those working towards a career in this field. Learn to identify key indicator plant species that will help you to recognise and distinguish broad habitat types and gain confidence in writing target notes on habitat features. This is a stand-alone course, but can also be a precursor to phase 1 habitat survey (part 2).  Own transport required. Part 2: Aimed at those already familiar with Phase 1 habitat survey basics as covered in part 1 (either in 2019 or a previous year) or who have learnt basic phase 1 elsewhere but want to learn more about indicator plant species for different habitats.  The whole day will be spent 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 Tutor: Dr Lesley Mason £55 per person per day (£100 for both days)   Book online

Saturday 1st June - Pollination Workshop   For gardeners, beekeepers and naturalists. An illustrated talk to introduce pollination, concentrating on the extraordinary global range of organisms that visit and pollinate flowers and a walk through the Wildwood grounds looking at flowers and insects to observe pollination ‘in action’. In the afternoon we will explore flower structure and the ‘rewards’ that attract insect visitors and how to make a garden ‘pollinator-friendly’. 10.30 - 3.00pm Tutor: Dr. Clive Nuttman £25 per person   Book online

Saturday 8th June - Seashore Foraging and Wild Cooking   An introduction to the sustainable foraging potential of the North Kent coast and estuary habitat. Discover which easily recognisable plants are good to eat and learn how to prepare and cook them. Forage a variety of edible shellfish before returning to cook and sample your fare. Also covers foraging safety and the law, and the wider uses of plants. Meet at Marine Parade, Tankerton, Whitstable, CT5 2BE on the greens facing the Marine Hotel. 10.00am - 4.00pm (Please be prompt as the tide will be about to turn) Tutor: Steve Kirk £30 per person   Book online

Important Information: * Minimum age for all courses is 16yrs 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.

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