Wildwood Conservation Courses

CONSERVATION COURSES  June 2019 - October 2019

Wildwood is proud to announce details of their upcoming summer/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

Download and print the full leaflet here

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 2018 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 £55 per person per day (£100 for both days) Tutor: Dr Lesley Mason   Book online

Saturday 22nd June, Friday 26th July & Friday 23rd -  August Dormouse Handling and Surveying Workshop   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 £60 per person Tutor: Suzanne Kynaston   Book online

Saturday 29th June - Dormouse Handling and Survey Methods   In Partnership with the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM)* An introduction to dormouse ecology followed by more detailed information about dormouse survey and handling techniques including nut searches, nest ID and the use of nest boxes and tubes for survey and monitoring. Relevant legislation and how to complete NDMP recording forms will also be covered. Handle, sex and weigh adult dormice (and possibly young, depending on time of year and breeding success) in our captive enclosures. 9.45am-4.45pm CIEEM Members £170 Non-Members £220 (Early bird booking discounts available). Tutor: Hazel Ryan *Please book directly with CIEEM: http://events.cieem.net/Events/Event-Listing.aspx

Saturday 6th July - Introduction to Bat Ecology and Conservation   In partnership with Kent Bat Group 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 – 4.45pm £30 per person Tutor: Hazel Ryan   Book online

Saturday 6th July - So You’re Thinking of Keeping Bees   Have you been thinking of keeping honey bees but want to know more? This one day course will give you an insight to the fascinating hobby of beekeeping, its costs and commitment. Finishing with a hive inspection, come and discover if it's for you. 11.00am-4.00pm £30 per person Tutor: Peter Lamkin   Book online

Sunday 7th July - How to Survey for Hazel Dormice: Footprint Tunnels, Tubes and Boxes   Dormice can sometimes be hard to detect so using a range of different survey methods can be beneficial. This course aims to demonstrate the range of techniques through a combination of indoor and field based sessions. As well as checking nest boxes and nest tubes, for which a survey licence is required, we will also spend time practicing the new technique of footprint tunnels and how to recognise evidence of dormice.  The use of trail cameras will also be covered, as well as how to search for natural nests and nibbled hazel nuts in autumn.  This course is aimed at consultants, but also suitable for anyone interested in the ecology of dormice who wants to know more about how to survey for them. 10.00am-4.30pm £50 per person per day Tutor: Simone Bullion   Book online

Wednesday 10th July - Hedgehog Ecology and Management for Practitioners training course   In Partnership with People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) This course is aimed at people involved in the management of public spaces or private amenity land. This includes consultants, landscape architects and developers. Immediately recognisable and popular with the public, hedgehogs provide a means to engage people in biodiversity issues and an intelligent focus for satisfying the requirements of the NERC Act. Hedgehogs are also frequently overlooked in ecological impact assessments. Small management changes can dramatically improve areas of land for this UK BAP species, potentially reversing its decline and enriching biodiversity more broadly. This course has been produced in partnership with the British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) and developed with hedgehog experts Dr Pat Morris & Dr Nigel Reeve. 10.00am-4.30pm £50 per person Tutor: Emily Wilson, Hedgehog Officer PTES   Book online

Sunday 14th July - Koniks; wild horses for courses   This course explores the origins and successes of the Konik horse in wetland grazing projects across Europe, together with the role of other primitive horses - like the Exmoor pony - in modern habitat conservation, followed by an opportunity to visit a Konik horse grazing project in Kent. Own transport required for off-site visit. 10.30-4.00pm £35 per person Tutor: Anne Riddell   Book online

Saturday 10th August - Owls: Their Natural History and Conservation   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 to conserve them and their environment. 10.00am-4.00pm £30 per person Tutor: Simon Ginnaw   Book online

Saturday 17th August and Saturday 21st September - Dormouse Ecology and Conservation   In partnership with the Mammal Society* 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 From £94.00 per person Tutor: Hazel Ryan *Please book direct with the Mammal Society http://www.mammal.org.uk Tel: 023 8001 0984

Friday 30th August to Sunday 1st September - Mammal Identification Weekend by the Mammal Society*   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 £205 per person Tutor: Suzanne Kynaston *Please book direct with the Mammal Society  http://www.mammal.org.uk Tel: 023 8001 0984

Saturday 14th September - Autumn foraging in Egerton   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 Tutor: Steve Kirk   Book online

Saturday 14th September - Bat Handling and Identification   In Partnership with the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM)* An introduction to British bat ecology followed by species ID, 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 ID practice. Attendees require an up-to-date vaccination against rabies and tetanus. 9.45am-4.45pm CIEEM Members £170 Non-Members £220 (Early bird booking discounts available). Tutor: Hazel Ryan *Please book directly with CIEEM:  http://events.cieem.net/Events/EventPages/07072018000000BatHandlingandIdentification.aspx

Sunday 15th September - Badger Ecology and Field Signs   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 Tutor: David Williams   Book online

Saturday 28th September - Introduction to Spider Identification and Ecology   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 Tutor: Steve Kirk   Book online

Saturday 5th October - Harvest Mouse Ecology and Surveying   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 Tutor: Steve Kirk

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