Field Studies Council

An environmental education charity with over 80 years' experience. Provides school trips, identification guides, natural history courses, and environmental training for organisations across the UK. Courses are written and delivered by experts and take place in stunning locations or online.

Short Courses

14/08/2026

Discovering UK Seals: Identification, Ecology and Conservation - Online

Online
Field Studies Council
biodiversity@field-studies-council.org c-js.info/3JWzYLz

In this beginner's online course, developed and delivered by leading seal conservation experts, Seal Research Trust (SRT), you will learn more about the biology and ecology of UK seal species. This is a 4-week course with a variety of self-led resources, activities, and tutor-led Zoom workshops.

Cost £20

15/08/2026 • 1 Day

Habitat Awareness: Grasslands

Killerton House and Estate (National Trust), Broadclyst, Exeter,
Field Studies Council
biodiversity@field-studies-council.org c-js.info/4ejuYiW

This 1-day beginner course will introduce you to grasslands, one of the UK's most diverse and ecologically valuable habitats. This course will guide you through the different grassland types found across the UK, teach you how to distinguish them using characteristic species and environmental features, and explore practical management techniques.

Cost £120

17/08/2026

Discovering Ferns - Online

Online
Field Studies Council
biodiversity@field-studies-council.org c-js.info/3VqrOhe

This beginner online course will introduce you to the complex world of ferns, vibrant non-flowering plants that reproduce via spores and have a diverse variety of species in the UK. This is a 3-week course with a variety of self-led resources, activities, and tutor-led Zoom workshops.

Cost £20

27/08/2026

Introduction to Mustelids - Online

Online
Field Studies Council
biodiversity@field-studies-council.org c-js.info/3VkW5Oo

This online introductory land mammal course will explore the biology, ecology and conservation of badgers and other mustelids. Mustelids are a family of carnivorous mammals including badgers, otters and more. This is a 3-week course with a variety of self-led resources, activities, and tutor-led Zoom workshops.

Cost £20

02/09/2026

Botanical Anatomy - Online

Online
Field Studies Council
biodiversity@field-studies-council.org c-js.info/3jJ6rKI

Build your understanding of botanical anatomy considering the structure and function of leaves, flowers and fruits and seeds, germination and flower fertilisation in this intermediate wildflower course. This is a 3-week course with a variety of self-led resources, activities, and tutor-led Zoom workshops.

Cost £60

04/09/2026 • 2.5 Days

Freshwater Invertebrates: Ecology, Conservation and Identification- HAU

Preston Montford, Shrewsbury, Shropshire
Field Studies Council
biodiversity@field-studies-council.org c-js.info/40kt637

This 2.5 day intermediate Freshwater Invertebrates course will provide you with the surveying and identification skills you need to begin to survey freshwater habitats. Knowing how to identify freshwater invertebrate species is a key skill for any ecologists or conservationists working in freshwater habitats.

Cost £340-550

05/09/2026 • 2 Days

Woodlands: Condition Assessments in Summer

Preston Montford, Shrewsbury, Shropshire
Field Studies Council
biodiversity@field-studies-council.org c-js.info/4jhqWHX

This beginner to intermediate course is designed to train learners in how to complete the Woodland Condition Assessment (WCA) using the Forestry Commission's new app in the spring/summer. Suitable for those who own or manage a small woodland, or ecologists using WCAs for Biodiversity Net Gain measurements, and others.

Cost £240

05/09/2026 • 2 Days

Botanical Skills for Ecologists

London: Bushy Park
Field Studies Council
biodiversity@field-studies-council.org c-js.info/3EjxxT5

This 2-day beginner course is designed to give ecologists the foundational botanical skills that are essential for accurate habitat surveying using UKHab and NVC. You will learn useful techniques to help you identify a broad range of key indicator species of different habitats, including wildflowers and grasses.

Cost £240

07/09/2026

Bird Field Skills - Online

Online
Field Studies Council
biodiversity@field-studies-council.org c-js.info/3KTY1LA

This beginner online bird course will introduce you to the field skills required to start identifying and recording birds, including how to use a guide and make a valuable record. This is a 2-week course with a variety of self-led resources, activities, and tutor-led Zoom workshops

Cost £20

07/09/2026

Biodiversity Shorts - Nature's Omens: The Roman Art of Augury with Graham Banwell

Online
Field Studies Council
biodiversity@field-studies-council.org c-js.info/3RcPzZZ

This webinar explores the fascinating world of Roman divination, showing how augurs read the skies, interpreted signs, and applied their knowledge in society. You'll learn about the methods and rituals used, the symbolism of different birds and animals, and the cultural importance of augury in shaping Roman life.

Cost £10

08/09/2026

Discovering Garden Birds: Identification and Ecology - Online

Online
Field Studies Council
biodiversity@field-studies-council.org c-js.info/3AIJ3SP

This beginner online bird course is aimed at bird enthusiasts who wish to learn more about their much-loved garden visitors, begin to identify them, and understand their biology and ecology. This is a 4-week course with a variety of self-led resources, activities, and tutor-led Zoom workshops.

Cost £20

11/09/2026 • 2.5 Days

Broadleaf Trees: Summer Identification, Ecology and Surveying- HAU

Preston Montford, Shrewsbury, Shropshire
Field Studies Council
biodiversity@field-studies-council.org c-js.info/4dVsqnW

This 2.5 day intermediate course explores the importance of broadleaf trees, with focus on identification in summer (when broadleaf trees are in leaf), ecology, and surveying to support monitoring and conservation projects. As well as evaluating their contribution to ecosystem services and place within the wider plant kingdom.

Cost £340-550

12/09/2026 • 2 Days

Habitat Surveying: Using UKHab

Haddon Hall, Bakewell
Field Studies Council
biodiversity@field-studies-council.org c-js.info/3RPmAL7

This practical 2-day intermediate course will teach you the fundamentals of using UK Habitat Classification (UKHab), which is integral to DEFRA's Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) metric, to map and assess a wide range of commonly encountered habitats. Field Studies Council and UKHab Ltd. have partnered to deliver this course.

Cost £250

12/09/2026 • 2 Days

Habitat Surveying: Lowland Priority Open Habitats

Juniper Hall, Box Hill
Field Studies Council
biodiversity@field-studies-council.org c-js.info/3GfP4MB

This 2-day course will introduce learners to indicator plant species of Lowland Priority Open Habitats using botanical keys to enable recognition. As we observe and discuss indicators for degraded or remnant conditions of these priority open habitats, we can make informed decisions on the most suitable locations for woodland creation.

Cost £240

12/09/2026 • 1 Day

Habitat Awareness: Identification, Ecology, and Management

Quarry Bank Mill (National Trust), Wilmslow
Field Studies Council
biodiversity@field-studies-council.org c-js.info/4xehTPB

This 1-day beginner-friendly course will explore the major UK habitat types and teach you how to recognise them using key features and common indicator species. You'll also gain a basic introduction to surveying methods, legislation and essential principles of habitat management to improve biodiversity.

Cost £120

18/09/2026

Discovering QGIS - Online

Online
Field Studies Council
biodiversity@field-studies-council.org c-js.info/3WQZcPt

This beginner online QGIS course will teach you how to use the QGIS interface and begin to build, style, and present maps. GIS underpins much of our modern life, from navigation to social media. This is a 4-week course with a variety of self-led resources, activities, and tutor-led Zoom workshops.

Cost £80

19/09/2026 • 1 Day

Trees: Summer Identification

Haddon Hall, Bakewell
Field Studies Council
biodiversity@field-studies-council.org c-js.info/3SnOlfR

This beginner course will introduce you to British trees, exploring tree biology, ecology, and identification. It will cover the two main types of trees found in the UK (coniferous and broadleaf trees) their key differences, biology, ecology, and basic identification of the most common tree species you might encounter.

Cost £120

21/09/2026

Biodiversity Net Gain for Reviewers - Online

Online
Field Studies Council
biodiversity@field-studies-council.org c-js.info/3Sna8nP

Gain a better understanding of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG). Join us as we explore what to expect and how to interpret the Metric when reviewing BNG. This four-week course equips participants with the skills to understand the principles of BNG and have an awareness of what goes into the Metric.

Cost £100

22/09/2026

Fungi Field Skills - Online

Online
Field Studies Council
biodiversity@field-studies-council.org c-js.info/3o1dQrb

This beginner online fungi course is a starting guide to the skills and knowledge required to begin identifying UK fungi in the field. It will cover habitats, and key identification features. This is a 2-week course with a variety of self-led resources, activities, and tutor-led Zoom workshops.

Cost £30

23/09/2026

Discovering Marine Ecology - Online

Online
Field Studies Council
biodiversity@field-studies-council.org c-js.info/4cE7rp1

Submerge yourself in the mysteries of the marine environment in this beginner-level course, which has been carefully designed to provide you with a grounding knowledge in marine ecology. This is a 4-week course with a variety of self-led resources, activities, and tutor-led Zoom workshops.

Cost £40

24/09/2026

Biodiversity Shorts - Waxcap Identification for Beginners with Richard Thompson

Online
Field Studies Council
biodiversity@field-studies-council.org c-js.info/3RcPzZZ

Learn how to recognise some of the UK's most colourful and distinctive fungi in this beginner-friendly introduction to waxcap identification. Waxcaps are a fascinating group of grassland fungi, often found in species-rich habitats. They can be excellent indicators of high-quality, unimproved grassland.

Cost £10

25/09/2026 • 2.5 Days

Mammals: Ecology, Conservation and Surveying- HAU

Preston Montford, Shrewsbury, Shropshire
Field Studies Council
biodiversity@field-studies-council.org c-js.info/40aoWL1

This 2.5 day intermediate course is an exciting opportunity to identify many British mammals through field signs, live-trapping and sightings. The course is practically based with field and laboratory sessions designed to introduce a range of mammal detection and identification skills (excluding bats).

Cost £340-550

26/09/2026 • 1 Day

Introduction to Biological Recording and Monitoring

Haddon Hall, Bakewell
Field Studies Council
biodiversity@field-studies-council.org c-js.info/4vpQicn

This 1-day beginner to intermediate course will help you to appreciate why biological recording is important and how you can have fun as you participate in the scientific process of gathering data. The depth and detail of the course will be tailored to the experience of participants on the day.

Cost £120

27/09/2026 • 2 Days

Autumn Fungi: Introduction and Beginner Identification

Flatflord Mill, East Bergholt, Colchester
Field Studies Council
biodiversity@field-studies-council.org c-js.info/3ACQhuz

This is the perfect 2-day course for beginners looking to learn more about the fungi around them and start to identify fungi groups. You will learn what to look for with valuable observational field skills, as well as being introduced to the world of spore printing.

Cost £130

29/09/2026 • 2 Days

Grasses, Sedges, and Rushes: Identifying Common Species

London: Bushy Park
Field Studies Council
biodiversity@field-studies-council.org c-js.info/4jhSCfV

This beginner course will help you begin your journey into identifying UK grass, sedge, and rush species. We will delve into the unique botanical characteristics of the three families and use floristic and vegetative features to identify some key common UK species.

Cost £240

29/09/2026 • 1 Day

Alien Flora: Identification of Invasive Non-Native Plants

Preston Montford, Shrewsbury
Field Studies Council
biodiversity@field-studies-council.org c-js.info/4x7B0uu

This 1-day beginner - intermediate course provides an introduction to the problems associated with non-native invasive species. As well as, how to go about accurately identifying and distinguishing them from less problematic species and native look-alikes.

Cost £120

30/09/2026 • 1 Day

Plant Identification Using the Vegetative Key - 1 Day

Preston Montford, Shrewsbury
Field Studies Council
biodiversity@field-studies-council.org c-js.info/42KXkKK

The ability to accurately identify plants is a skill that can be employed (and enjoyed) by a wide variety of people. This beginner to intermediate course will guide you through the required botanical terminology and help you to build confidence in using the vegetative key for successful identification.

Cost £120

02/10/2026

Seal Field Skills to Inform Conservation - Online

Online
Field Studies Council
biodiversity@field-studies-council.org c-js.info/43SzvAv

Developed and led by leading seal conservation experts at the Seal Research Trust, this online course equips participants with the knowledge and skills required to start recording and surveying seals to become seal ambassadors. This is a 4-week course with a variety of self-led resources, activities, and tutor-led Zoom workshops.

Cost £60

03/10/2026 • 2 Days

Lichens for Beginners

Epping Forest Field Centre
Field Studies Council
biodiversity@field-studies-council.org c-js.info/3GfP6UJ

This beginner lichens course will introduce you to these fascinating and compelling life-forms and teach you some of the skills you need to recognise and identify them. There will be plenty of time outdoors learning to recognise them in the field, as well as further study in the classroom.

Cost £240

03/10/2026 • 1 Day

Autumn Fungi: An Introduction

Dounans Centre, Aberfoyle
Field Studies Council
biodiversity@field-studies-council.org c-js.info/4dKoJSs

This is the perfect course for beginners looking to learn more about the fungi around them and start to identify fungi groups. You will learn valuable observational field skills; what to look for, what to record and how to record it with the support of our expert tutor.

Cost £120

05/10/2026

Biodiversity Shorts - Mythical Menageries: Decoding the Creatures of Medieval Manuscripts with Graham Banwell

Online
Field Studies Council
biodiversity@field-studies-council.org c-js.info/3RcPzZZ

From the fearsome griffin to the gentle unicorn, richly illustrated manuscripts reveal how medieval people interpreted the world around them, weaving together observation, imagination, and belief. This webinar will overview of the history of bestiaries, the creatures that originate in these texts and how bestiaries have been used and interpretated.

Cost £10

06/10/2026

Natural History Live: Exploring Resources for Studying UK Beetles

Online
Field Studies Council
biodiversity@field-studies-council.org c-js.info/4dnmabW

Beetles (Coleoptera) play a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems, acting as decomposers, predators, and pollinators. This free-to-attend webinar is designed to help those starting out in UK Coleoptera studies navigate the wide range of literature and identification resources available.

Free Course

06/10/2026

Discovering Lichens - Online

Online
Field Studies Council
biodiversity@field-studies-council.org c-js.info/3DF2dtQ

This beginner course will introduce you to the wonderful world of lichens. You will look at what exactly a lichen is, how they reproduce, interact with their environment, indicate levels of air pollution, and much more. As well as building skills in identifying lichens and becoming familiar with terminology.

Cost £60

06/10/2026

Discovering Tracks and Signs - Online

Online
Field Studies Council
biodiversity@field-studies-council.org c-js.info/3DUE4zi

This introductory online wildlife tracking course will explore the skills needed to confidently identify a variety of mammal and bird activities when you are out in the field. This is a 2-week course with a variety of self-led resources, activities, and tutor-led Zoom workshops.

Cost £30

09/10/2026 • 2.5 Days

Bryophytes: Ecology and Identification- HAU

Preston Montford, Shrewsbury
Field Studies Council
biodiversity@field-studies-council.org c-js.info/3Yw3y1x

This 2.5 day intermediate course will introduce you to the wonderful world of bryophytes (mosses, liverworts, and hornworts) that are present in every UK habitat. Through this course, bryophyte life cycles, structures, collection and identification methods will all be explored.

Cost £340-550

10/10/2026 • 1 Day

Bryophytes: An Introduction

Epping Forest Field Centre
Field Studies Council
biodiversity@field-studies-council.org c-js.info/3MWEhHN

This beginner bryophytes course is a great place to start for those taking their first steps into the world of mosses, liverworts, and hornworts. You will learn about their biology and ecology, see different types of mosses and liverworts, collect specimens and learn basic field identification tips.

Cost £120

12/10/2026

Discovering Badgers: Biology, Ecology and Surveying - Online

Online
Field Studies Council
biodiversity@field-studies-council.org c-js.info/3tPxCsx

This is the perfect course for beginners looking to learn more about badgers. This course will focus on what badgers evolved from, distribution, biology, ecology and behaviour. This is a 3-week online course with a variety of self-led resources, activities, and tutor-led Zoom workshops.

Cost £45

15/10/2026

Discovering Seabirds: Identification, Ecology, and Conservation - Online

Online
Field Studies Council
biodiversity@field-studies-council.org c-js.info/3tBjUG1

This beginner to intermediate course is a starting guide to the skills required to begin identifying and observing our native UK seabirds in the field. This is a 3-week online course with a variety of self-led resources, activities, and tutor-led Zoom workshops.

Cost £30

16/10/2026 • 2.5 Days

Conifer Identification

Preston Montford, Shrewsbury
Field Studies Council
biodiversity@field-studies-council.org c-js.info/4mYMcUD

This intermediate to advanced botanical tree course will equip you with the skills needed to identify conifer trees; focusing on accuracy and diagnostic features. In this course you will get to grips with different keys to identification, beginning by considering the key features of the families and genera of conifers.

Cost £310-510

20/10/2026

Botanical Folklore: Flora and Fungi - Online

Online
Field Studies Council
biodiversity@field-studies-council.org c-js.info/4o365LD

This course delves into the rich tapestry of myths, legends, and traditions surrounding trees, shrubs, and fungi with a focus on those found within the British Isles. This is a 3-week online course with a variety of self-led resources, activities, and tutor-led Zoom workshops.

Cost £45

23/10/2026 • 2.5 Days

Fungi: Ecology and Identification- HAU

Preston Montford, Shrewsbury
Field Studies Council
biodiversity@field-studies-council.org c-js.info/3Yzqxc7

This 2.5 day intermediate course explores the world of fungi, a kingdom abundant in diversity and pivotal to the health and functioning of ecosystems. This course combines theory and hands-on practice to equip learners with the skills to identify fungi to genus level, and explore their ecological roles.

Cost £340-550

28/10/2026

Discovering Marine Invertebrates - Online

Online
Field Studies Council
biodiversity@field-studies-council.org c-js.info/3tgcJTg

This beginner marine invertebrate course will explore marine invertebrate biology, ecology, and key identification features. Allowing you to classify the ten major phyla of marine invertebrates and describe common species. This is a 2-week online course with a variety of self-led resources, activities, and tutor-led Zoom workshops.

Cost £30

29/10/2026

Discovering Bryophytes - Online

Online
Field Studies Council
biodiversity@field-studies-council.org c-js.info/3NSyKks

This beginner online course will introduce you to the complex world of mosses, liverworts and hornworts, collectively known as bryophytes. This is a 4-week online course with a variety of self-led resources, activities, and tutor-led Zoom workshops.

Cost £40

29/10/2026

Biodiversity Shorts - Build it for Biodiversity: Creating Ponds that help Wildlife Thrive with James Stead

Online
Field Studies Council
biodiversity@field-studies-council.org c-js.info/3RcPzZZ

Ponds are among the UK's most important wildlife habitats yet creating one that supports biodiversity takes more than digging a hole and adding water. This session will provide guidance to help you build a thriving freshwater habitat. It can help you increase biodiversity in a range of areas.

Cost £10

02/11/2026

Biodiversity Shorts - From Guts to Gardens: Healing the Medieval Way with Graham Banwell

Online
Field Studies Council
biodiversity@field-studies-council.org c-js.info/3RcPzZZ

In the Middle Ages, falling ill could lead you into a world of curious cures and unexpected healers. This webinar explores the strange, shocking, and sometimes surprisingly effective remedies of the Middle Ages, revealing what they tell us about how people once tried to heal the body and mind.

Cost £10

03/11/2026

Biodiversity Net Gain for Reviewers - Online

Online
Field Studies Council
biodiversity@field-studies-council.org c-js.info/3Sna8nP

Gain a better understanding of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG). Join us as we explore what to expect and how to interpret the Metric when reviewing BNG. This four-week course equips participants with the skills to understand the principles of BNG and have an awareness of what goes into the Metric.

Cost £100

04/11/2026

Identifying Broadleaf Trees in Winter - Online

Online
Field Studies Council
biodiversity@field-studies-council.org c-js.info/3OENtSe

This beginner tree identification course will help you learn to use features such as twigs, buds and bark to identify broadleaved tree species during winter. This is a 3-week online course with a variety of self-led resources, activities, and tutor-led Zoom workshops.

Cost £20

07/11/2026 • 2 Days

Vegetative Grass Identification

Oakwell Hall, West Yorkshire
Field Studies Council
biodiversity@field-studies-council.org c-js.info/3OG7dEV

On this beginner-intermediate course, you will learn how to identify grasses vegetatively (i.e. when not in flower), using classroom and field elements. This skill can enable continued habitat surveying throughout the year or simply allow you to get your botanical fix during the winter months.

Cost £240

07/11/2026

Biodiversity Shorts - Beasts at the Beginning: How Animals Shape Human Stories with Graham Banwell

Online
Field Studies Council
biodiversity@field-studies-council.org www.field-studies-council.org/courses-and-experiences/static-courses/biodiversity-shorts-online-webinars/

Across cultures and continents, animals have always played central roles in the stories humans tell about the origins of the world. This webinar explores the roles of animals in world mythology, with a special focus on the creatures of European and British traditions.

Cost £10

09/11/2026

Discovering QGIS - Online

Online
Field Studies Council
biodiversity@field-studies-council.org c-js.info/3WQZcPt

This beginner online QGIS course will teach you how to use the QGIS interface and begin to build, style, and present maps. GIS underpins much of our modern life, from navigation to social media. This is a 4-week course with a variety of self-led resources, activities, and tutor-led Zoom workshops.

Cost £80

18/11/2026 • 1 Day

Trees: Winter Broadleaf Identification

Preston Montford, Shrewsbury
Field Studies Council
biodiversity@field-studies-council.org c-js.info/4vruux0

This 1-day beginner-intermediate course starts with an introduction to the key characters used in the identification of deciduous trees and shrubs, using specimens and illustrated talks, followed by practical use of various keys. This course is aimed at the keen beginner and improver alike.

Cost £120

24/11/2026

Natural History Live: Rewilding Hepple with Richard Thompson

Online
Field Studies Council
biodiversity@field-studies-council.org c-js.info/4dnmabW

Discover how large-scale nature recovery is being put into practice at Hepple Wilds, an ambitious rewilding initiative in Northumberland. This free webinar offers an inspiring introduction to the project, exploring how a working landscape is being transformed to support wildlife, natural processes, and long-term ecological resilience.

Free Course

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