Identification and Field Survey Skills - Herpetology, Fish and Invertebrates

27/01/2026 An 'Alien' in Antarctica 1 Day

Online, The Biological Recording Company c-js.info/3KzfL14

Join us for a free webinar with Octavia Brayley to hear her discuss the arrival and impacts of the non-native midge Eretmoptera murphyi in Signy Island, Antarctica.

Free Course

29/01/2026 One Mother For Two Species: The Complex Lifecycle of Barbarian Harvester Ants

Zoom, British Entomological & Natural History Society c-js.info/4p4uxvs

Discover the fascinating world of eusocial ants! Explore how caste conflicts shape reproduction and the extraordinary xenoparity of Messor ants, where queens clone other species. Join us for this free event and uncover the secrets of complex insect societies.

Free Course

29/01/2026 Hay Meadow Restoration 1 Day

Online, The Biological Recording Company c-js.info/3Y2eNh1

Join us for our free annual Brad Ashby Memorial Lecture as this year we hear from Jonathan Romiguier about how the complex lifestyle of social insects leads to complex reproductive models.

Free Course

02/02/2026 Bee Conservation - Online

Online, Field Studies Council N/A biodiversity@field-studies-council.org c-js.info/3AHirSo

This beginner course will introduce you to the threats bees are facing, and how conservationists and citizen scientists are taking action to reduce their decline. You can work through this course content and assignments at your own pace at a time that suits you.

Cost £12.50

05/02/2026 Great Crested Newts - Ecology, Conservation and Survey Online 0.5 Day

Online, Species Recovery Trust 01722 322539 bookings@speciesrecoverytrust.org.uk c-js.info/3SoX2oq

Half-day online course covering newt ecology, conservation, legal protection and survey techniques.

Cost £68

05/02/2026 Subterranean Harvestmen 1 Day

Online, The Biological Recording Company c-js.info/4qaEZCt

Learn about subterranean and generalist species of UK harvestmen species with Meg Skinner.

Cost £12.5

10/02/2026 Big Rock Pool Challenge: The Power of UK Marine Citizen Science 1 Day

Online, The Biological Recording Company c-js.info/4qn9FAH

Ben Holt introduces the Big Rock Pool Challenge, a UK-wide initiative engaging people with marine citizen science, one rock pool at a time!

Free Course

17/02/2026 Mapping the Beetle Tree of Life 1 Day

Online, The Biological Recording Company c-js.info/4svzq3j

Dr Beulah Garner (Natural History Museum) discusses new efforts to comprehensively map the phylogeny of 400,000 beetle species worldwide.

Free Course

26/02/2026 Shades of Grey: Industrial Melanism in Spiders 1 Day

Online, The Biological Recording Company c-js.info/4swDDnb

Dr Geoff Oxford (British Arachnological Society) shares new research reappraising the phenomenon of industrial melanism in British spiders.

Free Course

28/02/2026 Amphibian Ecology and Survey Techniques 1 Day

Tyland Barn and Vinters Valley Nature Reserve , Kent Wildlife Trust 01622 662012 studydays@kentwildlife.org.uk c-js.info/3MOQDBQ

Understand the importance of habitats to the different amphibians. You will learn how to recognize the key species and be part of a torchlight survey.

Cost £42.50. Early bird offer available until the end of 2025.

04/03/2026 Discovering Marine Invertebrates - Online

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

This beginner marine invertebrate course explores marine invertebrate biology, ecology, and key identification features. By the end of the course, you will be able to classify the ten major phyla of marine invertebrates and describe common species. A 2-week course with a variety of self-led resources, activities, and Zoom workshops.

Cost £30.00

06/03/2026 Introduction to Amphibian

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

This one-hour webinar hosted by John Wilkinson will introduce the methods used to detect and monitor amphibians across the U.K., including reasons for surveying, survey techniques, and key considerations. John is a conservation ecologist who has been working with amphibians and reptiles for over 25 years.

Cost £10.00

11/03/2026 Bioluminescence

Zoom, Suffolk Wildlife Trust 01473 890089 community.networks@suffolkwildlifetrust.org www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/adult-learning/webinars

What is it that makes certain organisms glow? How does biofluorescence differ from bioluminescence and phosphorescence? Explore the diverse ecosystems of Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, Ecuador, and the UK to uncover the hidden fluorescent wonders of the natural world, with David Atthowe

Cost £3, 5 or 10

12/03/2026 Ground Water Dependent Terrestrial Ecosystems 2 Days

Scotland, CIEEM 01962 868626 training@cieem.net c-js.info/4oTbMum

This course aims to look at the ecological requirements - habitats and species, relationship to ground water hydrology, chemistry and geology and will examine the factors to be studied to understand the complexity of these systems

12/03/2026 Great Crested Newt Working towards a Licence 2 Days

Peterborough, Froglife 01733602102 info@froglife.org

Froglifes GCN courses offer the chance for competent trainees to obtain a secondary reference that is accepted by Natural England in a GCN Class 1 Licence application. This two day course consists of a theory session followed by an assessed fieldwork session.

Cost £180

13/03/2026 Introduction to Reptile Surveying

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

This one-hour webinar hosted by John Wilkinson will introduce the methods used to detect and monitor reptiles across the U.K., including reasons for surveying, survey techniques, and key considerations. John is a conservation ecologist who has been working with amphibians and reptiles for over 25 years.

Cost £10.00

19/03/2026 Great Crested Newt Working towards a Licence 2 Days

Peterborough, Froglife 01733602102 info@froglife.org

Froglifes GCN courses offer the chance for competent trainees to obtain a secondary reference that is accepted by Natural England in a GCN Class 1 Licence application. This two day course consists of a theory session followed by an assessed fieldwork session.

Cost £180

19/03/2026 Great Crested Newt Working towards a Licence 2 Days

York, Froglife 01733602102 info@froglife.org

Froglifes GCN courses offer the chance for competent trainees to obtain a secondary reference that is accepted by Natural England in a GCN Class 1 Licence application. This two day course consists of a theory session followed by an assessed fieldwork session.

Cost £180

24/03/2026 Reptiles: Ecology, Surveys & Mitigation 1 Day

South East England, CIEEM 01962 868626 training@cieem.net c-js.info/3KtXp1O

This one-day course by Demian Lyle covers UK reptile identification, ecology, legislation, survey design, and mitigation. Training combines classroom learning with a field survey on a site supporting adder, grass snake, slow worm, and common lizard, giving delegates practical experience with all four widespread native species.

26/03/2026 Great Crested Newts: Ecology and Surveys 1 Day

Bishops Wood, Field Studies Council N/A biodiversity@field-studies-council.org c-js.info/3Vq1SlL

This advanced 1-day course will cover great crested newt identification and ecology, survey techniques, the Habitat Suitability Index (HSI), and will include opportunities to practice netting, bottle trapping, torch, and egg searching. Endorsed by Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust (ARC). This course is delivered through classroom learning and survey opportunities.

Cost £140.00

26/03/2026 Great Crested Newt Working towards a Licence 2 Days

Peterborough, Froglife 01733602102 info@froglife.org

Froglifes GCN courses offer the chance for competent trainees to obtain a secondary reference that is accepted by Natural England in a GCN Class 1 Licence application. This two day course consists of a theory session followed by an assessed fieldwork session.

Cost £180

26/03/2026 Great Crested Newt Working towards a Licence 2 Days

York, Froglife 01733602102 info@froglife.org

Froglifes GCN courses offer the chance for competent trainees to obtain a secondary reference that is accepted by Natural England in a GCN Class 1 Licence application. This two day course consists of a theory session followed by an assessed fieldwork session.

Cost £180

28/03/2026 Two-day Introduction to Water Beetles with Kevin Rowley and Henry Stanier 2 Days

Ramsey Heights, The Wildlife Trust BCN 07793 606026 trainingworkshops@wildlifebcn.org www.wildlifebcn.org/

This workshop introduces people to water beetle species and how to sample them.

31/03/2026 Great Crested Newts: Ecology and Surveys 1 Day

Rixton Clay Pits, Moat Lane, Rixton, Warrington, Field Studies Council N/A biodiversity@field-studies-council.org c-js.info/3Vq1SlL

This advanced 1-day course will cover great crested newt identification and ecology, survey techniques, the Habitat Suitability Index (HSI), and will include opportunities to practice netting, bottle trapping, torch, and egg searching. Endorsed by Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust (ARC). This course is delivered through classroom learning and survey opportunities.

Cost £140.00

01/04/2026 Working with Natterjack Toads 1 Day

Talacre Community Centre. Gamfa Wen, Talacre, Holywell, Wales, , Field Studies Council N/A biodiversity@field-studies-council.org c-js.info/3O9sztA

This 1-day beginner natterjack toad course covers the identification and ecology of this protected species, as well as survey techniques. Aimed at environmental consultants, land agents, and planners, but anyone with an interest in natterjack toads is welcome to attend. Endorsed by the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust (ARC).

Cost £140.00

01/04/2026 Great Crested Newt Working towards a Licence 2 Days

Peterborough, Froglife 01733602102 info@froglife.org

Froglifes GCN courses offer the chance for competent trainees to obtain a secondary reference that is accepted by Natural England in a GCN Class 1 Licence application. This two day course consists of a theory session followed by an assessed fieldwork session.

Cost £180

02/04/2026 Great Crested Newt Working towards a Licence 2 Days

York, Froglife 01733602102 info@froglife.org

Froglifes GCN courses offer the chance for competent trainees to obtain a secondary reference that is accepted by Natural England in a GCN Class 1 Licence application. This two day course consists of a theory session followed by an assessed fieldwork session.

Cost £180

09/04/2026 Great Crested Newt Working towards a Licence 2 Days

Peterborough, Froglife 01733602102 info@froglife.org

Froglifes GCN courses offer the chance for competent trainees to obtain a secondary reference that is accepted by Natural England in a GCN Class 1 Licence application. This two day course consists of a theory session followed by an assessed fieldwork session.

Cost £180

18/04/2026 Identifying Water Bugs with Kevin Rowley 1 Day

Pitsford water nature reserve, The Wildlife Trust BCN 07793 606026 trainingworkshops@wildlifebcn.org www.wildlifebcn.org/

For people who are interested in identifying aquatic invertebrates using detailed keys. Water bugs are a good starting point, as there are a smaller number of species.

23/04/2026 Great Crested Newt Working towards a Licence 2 Days

Peterborough, Froglife 01733602102 info@froglife.org

Froglifes GCN courses offer the chance for competent trainees to obtain a secondary reference that is accepted by Natural England in a GCN Class 1 Licence application. This two day course consists of a theory session followed by an assessed fieldwork session.

Cost £180

02/05/2026 Introduction to Solitary Bees 1 Day

Tyland Barn, Kent Wildlife Trust 01622 662012 studydays@kentwildlife.org.uk c-js.info/3MOQDBQ

Introduction to the ecology and identification of solitary bees, with a mixture of classroom and field sessions

Cost £42.50 Standard fee

05/05/2026 Great Crested Newts (New Forest) - Ecology, Survey and Licensing 2 Days

Online/Brockenhurst, Species Recovery Trust 01722 322539 bookings@speciesrecoverytrust.org.uk c-js.info/3SoX2oq

Two-day hybrid course covering ID, ecology, survey and legal protection of Great Crested Newts.

Cost £220

05/05/2026 Great Crested Newts (Surrey) - Ecology, Survey and Licensing 2 Days

Online/Nower Wood, Species Recovery Trust 01722 322539 bookings@speciesrecoverytrust.org.uk c-js.info/3SoX2oq

Two-day hybrid course covering ID, ecology, survey and legal protection of Great Crested Newts.

Cost £220

06/05/2026 Great Crested Newts (New Forest) - Ecology, Survey and Licensing 2 Days

Online/Brockenhurst, Species Recovery Trust 01722 322539 bookings@speciesrecoverytrust.org.uk c-js.info/3SoX2oq

Two-day hybrid course covering ID, ecology, survey and legal protection of Great Crested Newts.

Cost £220

07/05/2026 Great Crested Newt Working towards a Licence 2 Days

Peterborough, Froglife 01733602102 info@froglife.org

Froglifes GCN courses offer the chance for competent trainees to obtain a secondary reference that is accepted by Natural England in a GCN Class 1 Licence application. This two day course consists of a theory session followed by an assessed fieldwork session.

Cost £180

11/05/2026 Great Crested Newts (Surrey) - Ecology, Survey and Licensing 2 Days

Online/Nower Wood, Species Recovery Trust 01722 322539 bookings@speciesrecoverytrust.org.uk c-js.info/3SoX2oq

Two-day hybrid course covering ID, ecology, survey and legal protection of Great Crested Newts.

Cost £220

14/05/2026 Great Crested Newt Working towards a Licence 2 Days

Peterborough, Froglife 01733602102 info@froglife.org

Froglifes GCN courses offer the chance for competent trainees to obtain a secondary reference that is accepted by Natural England in a GCN Class 1 Licence application. This two day course consists of a theory session followed by an assessed fieldwork session.

Cost £180

16/05/2026 Identifying and Recording Soldierflies and their Allies with Martin Harvey 1 Day

Old Sulehay nature reserve, The Wildlife Trust BCN 07793 606026 trainingworkshops@wildlifebcn.org www.wildlifebcn.org/

Explore this fascinating group of 11 families of flies, using keys, specimens and microscopes to practice identification. Suitable for both beginners and improvers.

16/05/2026 Responsible Beekeeping for Beginners 1 Day

Tyland Barn, Kent Wildlife Trust 01622 662012 studydays@kentwildlife.org.uk c-js.info/3MOQDBQ

An introductory course for anyone interested in learning more about bees and the craft of beekeeping.

Cost £42.50 Standard fee

17/05/2026 Reptile Ecology and Survey Techniques 1 Day

Tyland Barn and Vinters Valley Nature Reserve , Kent Wildlife Trust 01622 662012 studydays@kentwildlife.org.uk c-js.info/3MOQDBQ

Discover how to identify reptiles and learn about their habitat requirements. Then search for them in a nearby nature reserve.

Cost £42.50 Standard fee

18/05/2026 Great Crested Newts - Ecology, Conservation and Survey Online 0.5 Day

Online, Species Recovery Trust 01722 322539 bookings@speciesrecoverytrust.org.uk c-js.info/3SoX2oq

Half-day online course covering newt ecology, conservation, legal protection and survey techniques.

Cost £68

31/05/2026 Pond Snails - Their ecology and identification with Brian Eversham 1 Day

Paxton Pits, The Wildlife Trust BCN 07793 606026 trainingworkshops@wildlifebcn.org www.wildlifebcn.org/

Learn how to identify pond snails, which are fairly easy to learn, and can be useful in assessing water quality.

02/06/2026 An introduction to dragonflies and damselflies 1 Day

Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve, Kent Wildlife Trust 01622 662012 studydays@kentwildlife.org.uk c-js.info/3MOQDBQ

Learn about the life cycles and habitats of dragonflies and aids to identification, then participate in a field study of adult dragonflies.

Cost £42.50 Standard fee

13/06/2026 Fossil walk at Folkstone 1 Day

Folkestone Warren, Kent Wildlife Trust 01622 662012 studydays@kentwildlife.org.uk c-js.info/3MOQDBQ

A walk to explore the geology and fossils of the Folkestone area. You will have the chance to find Cretaceous Fossils from the Lower Greensand, Gault and Chalk formations.

Cost £42.50 Standard fee

28/06/2026 Introduction to Dragonflies with Steve Cham 1 Day

Felmersham Gravel Pits, The Wildlife Trust BCN 07793 606026 trainingworkshops@wildlifebcn.org www.wildlifebcn.org/

This workshop focuses on finding and identifying the range of dragonflies at Felmersham nature reserve.

12/07/2026 Intertidal Investigations NEW 1 Day

Reculver, Kent Wildlife Trust 01622 662012 studydays@kentwildlife.org.uk c-js.info/3MOQDBQ

Learn how to identify marine plants and animals and then carry out an intertidal survey

Cost £42.50 Standard fee

14/07/2026 All About Crayfish 2 Days

Great Elm, Dr Nicky Green & Dr Jen Nightingale 07816512430 ngreencrayfish@gmail.com c-js.info/49o8Yji

This popular course provides a solid grounding in crayfish ecology and survey methods plus an insight into current conservation techniques, including captive breeding and ark sites. Trainees will monitor and handle native white-clawed and invasive signal crayfish and discuss options for controlling invasive crayfish based on latest research.

Cost £315

25/07/2026 An Introduction to Butterflies in Northants with Dave James 1 Day

Pitsford water nature reserve, The Wildlife Trust BCN 07793 606026 trainingworkshops@wildlifebcn.org www.wildlifebcn.org/

Find out about the butterflies you are likely to see in Northants. Learn about the identification and life cycles of our butterflies, along with tips on surveying.

01/08/2026 Butterflies of Kent 1 Day

Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve and local reserves, Kent Wildlife Trust 01622 662012 studydays@kentwildlife.org.uk c-js.info/3MOQDBQ

Cost £42.50 Standard fee

09/08/2026 Ecology of Bumblebees and their Identification for Intermediates 1 Day

Online, Kent Wildlife Trust 01622662012 studydays@kentwildlife.org.uk c-js.info/3MOQDBQ

An online identification course covering all of Britain's bumblebee species

Cost £42.50 Standard fee

08/09/2026 All About Crayfish 2 Days

Great Elm, Dr Nicky Green & Dr Jen Nightingale 07816512430 ngreencrayfish@gmail.com

This popular course provides a solid grounding in crayfish ecology and survey methods plus an insight into current conservation techniques, including captive breeding and ark sites. Trainees will monitor and handle native white-clawed and invasive signal crayfish and discuss options for controlling invasive crayfish based on latest research.

Cost £315

08/10/2026 Great Crested Newts - Ecology, Conservation and Survey Online 0.5 Day

Online, Species Recovery Trust 01722 322539 bookings@speciesrecoverytrust.org.uk c-js.info/3SoX2oq

Half-day online course covering newt ecology, conservation, legal protection and survey techniques.

Cost £68

Various ARC's Bitesize Herpetology Courses

Online, Amphibian and Reptile Conservation www.arc-trust.org/training

ARC’s expert staff have created a new series of free, introductory training modules for anyone with an interest in amphibians and reptiles. It’s a great way to increase your knowledge of herpetology, at a pace and time that suits you. The five courses currently available cover identification skills for the 13 native species widespread non-natives. Good luck and have fun!

Free Course

Various Reptile Ecology, ID and Surveying 0.5 Day

Online, Ecology Training UK 01392 532045 admin@ecologytraining.co.uk www.ecologytraining.co.uk

Course covers ecology, ID and surveying of all UK reptile species via videos.

Cost £95

Various Surveying for Protected Species

Online, Ecology Training UK 01392 532045 admin@ecologytraining.co.uk www.ecologytraining.co.uk

This self-study course consists of videos with information on the ecology and survey techniques for badgers, dormice, great crested newts, otters, reptiles, and water voles delivered by a Principal Ecologist. It includes legislation and a video of tracks and signs. There are plenty of references for further study and some book suggestions and a couple of quzzes.

Various Reptile and Amphibian ID and Surveying

Online, Ecology Training UK 01392 532045 admin@ecologytraining.co.uk www.ecologytraining.co.uk

A 3 module course to help you identify all the UK reptile and amphibian species of snake, lizard, frogs, toads and newts. Includes a section on surveying for these species. Self study in your own time.

Contact For Details Seahorse Biology, Ecology and Conservation Course

Online, The Seahorse Trust seahorsesurveycourse@aol.co.uk c-js.info/3AMM5ZC

A new self-guided online course covering a range of topics including seahorse biology and ecology based on the Trust's research, and considers threats to these and other marine species, and the approach used to conserve species and habitats. Proceeds directly support the work of The Seahorse Trust.

Cost £65

Various Freshwater Ecology & Ecosystems

Online, ETUK 01392 532045 admin@ecologytraining.co.uk c-js.info/2OH694T

Freshwater ecosystems are rare and valuable. Only 3% of the water on the planet is freshwater, but they are home to ten times more biodiversity than land and ocean, making it a critically important ecosystem. You will learn about the ecology of freshwater ecosystems and how they work.

Various Great Crested Newt Ecology and Surveying

Online, ETUK 01392 532045 admin@ecologytraining.co.uk c-js.info/2OH694T

Great Crested Newts are a UK-protected species. They occupy a range of habitats and although they breed in ponds, they spend much of their life on land. As they are fully protected by the law, it is crucial that ecologists and land managers understand their ecology.

Cost £105

Various Great Crested Newts and Developments

Online, ETUK 01392 532045 admin@ecologytraining.co.uk c-js.info/2OH694T

During this course we will look at the law surrounding great crested newts and how to come up with and implement appropriate mitigation plans. We will look at different case studies to ensure that you are confident and proficient at devising mitigation plans.

Cost £190

Various Marine Biology and Ecosystems

Online, ETUK 01392 532045 admin@ecologytraining.co.uk c-js.info/2OH694T

Let's take a deep dive into the fascinating world of marine biology and Marine ecosystems. Oceans play a key role in regulating our planet, particularly in the face of climate change. Understanding marine habitats and species can help anyone working in conservation or ecology.

Cost £170

Various River Restoration

Online, ETUK 01392 532045 admin@ecologytraining.co.uk c-js.info/2OH694T

This course will help you to understand the intricacies of river restoration, and how important it is for many conservation efforts. We will look at the principles of river restoration, and how to apply them to conservation and ecology projects.

Cost £160

Various Drones in Ecology Virtual Symposium 0.5 Day

Online, Biological Recording Company c-js.info/3Jtc7pb

Learn all about how drones are revolutionising the field of ecology? Access the recordings of the guest speaker presentations, write-ups of the Q&A sessions and further info links from the Drones in Ecology Virtual Symposium. Thermal bat roost surveys, marine mammals, cliff-nesting birds, habitat mapping and more.

Cost £30

Various Unlocking your wildlife career

Online, Dr Kayleigh Fawcett Williams c-js.info/3izM2lQ

Are you a wildlife student or early career wildlife professional? Are you struggling to get a paid or long term wildlife role? Do you want to stop feeling stuck & learn what you can do to move forward in your wildlife career? YES? This free webinar is for you!