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Training Directory: Identification and Field Survey Skills - Mammals Short Courses

Identification and Field Survey Skills - Mammals

 

Practical training in how to find and identify mammals, also training in survey techniques and classification. Includes protected species licences e.g. bats, dormice and otters.

15/08/2026 • 5 Days

Wildlife Tracking 5-day Intensive

Marcassie Farm, Forres, Moray
Dan Puplett Nature Awareness
07952 679640
dan.puplett@gmail.com c-js.info/41Tut8i

Tracking develops our ability to observe subtle clues and understand wildlife behaviour and ecology. We will look in detail at tracks and signs left by a range of birds, mammals, amphibians and invertebrates in variety of fantastic habitats.

Cost £295

02/09/2026 • 1 Day

Track & Sign Identification

Forvie Visitor Centre, Collieston, Ellon AB41 8RU
SCRA Grampian
07971 383606
stephen.reeves@edf-power.com c-js.info/473VY2j

Reading wildlife tracks and signs is an ancient skill with many present-day applications including biological recording, environmental education and nature connection. In this workshop you will learn how to confidently identify and interpret a range of clues including footprints, scat, burrows, feeding signs and more with a specific focus on coastal species.

16/09/2026 • 3 Days

Advanced Bat Survey Techniques

East Devon
Richard Green Ecology
01395 239234
office@richardgreenecology.co.uk www.richardgreenecology.co.uk/training-courses/

Hands-on field training for experienced bat ecologists progressing to Natural England Level 3 (CL19) and Level 4 (CL20) licences. Covers advanced survey methods, including mist-netting, harp-trapping, and acoustic lures. Ideal for Level 2 (CL18) holders seeking specialist skills for bat capture, handling, and research surveys.

Cost £900.00

16/09/2026 • 1 Day

Beavers and Development: Survey, impact assessment and mitigation

Online
CIEEM
01962 868626
training@cieem.net c-js.co.uk/4z3cKKU

This is the final stage of Beaver Trust's three-course series. Delegates are strongly recommended to complete Beaver Survey Methods and Management and Beaver Ecology and Field Sign Identification beforehand to ensure they have the knowledge and skills needed to fully benefit from this training

16/09/2026 • 2 Days

Water Vole live-trapping

South West England
CIEEM
01962 868626
training@cieem.net c-js.co.uk/4pYgtoY

This field-based course provides practical experience in planning trapping projects, selecting equipment, setting and checking live-capture traps, handling, sexing and releasing water voles, and applying biosecurity measures. Ideal for those undertaking trapping projects, with opportunities to discuss real project questions.

17/09/2026 • 1 Day

Beaver Conservation, Ecology and Management

Willington (DWT)
Species Recovery Trust
01722 322539
bookings@speciesrecoverytrust.org.uk c-js.info/3SoX2oq

A 1-day course covering all aspects of beaver ecology & conservation & a chance to see these amazing creatures at one of their release sites

Cost £95

19/09/2026 • 1 Day

Pine Marten Ecology and Conservation

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

Find out more about Pine Martens and learn about the South East Pine Marten Restoration Project

Cost £42.50 Standard fee

19/09/2026 • 2 Days

Introduction to Trailing Wildlife

Marcassie Farm, Forres, Moray
Dan Puplett Nature Awareness
07952 679640
dan.puplett@gmail.com c-js.info/41Tut8i

Trailing is the aspect of wildlife tracking that involves following and finding animals, allowing us to observe them undetected. It is a great way to really understand the lives of the animals we are tracking while becoming more immersed in the natural world around us.

Cost £200

24/09/2026 • 2 Days

Combined Hazel dormouse course

East Devon
Richard Green Ecology
01395 239234
office@richardgreenecology.co.uk www.richardgreenecology.co.uk/training-courses/

Our combined Hazel dormouse course is a 2-day course, amalgamating the 'Hazel dormouse ecology and survey techniques' and 'Hazel dormice and development, including licensing' courses at a discounted rate.

Cost £300.00

24/09/2026 • 2 Days

Introduction to Bat Ecology and Bat Surveys

Online
CIEEM
01962 868626
training@cieem.net c-js.co.uk/45aT3U0

This course will focus on the skills need by ecologists to carry out bat surveys, to a high standard, in line with current legislation and best practice.

25/09/2026 • 1 Day

Hazel dormice and development, including licensing

East Devon
Richard Green Ecology
01395 239234
office@richardgreenecology.co.uk www.richardgreenecology.co.uk/training-courses/

This advanced course is for those who have attended our 'Dormouse ecology and survey' course or have experience conducting dormouse surveys and understand dormouse ecology. After attending, you will be able to design suitable survey and mitigation strategies and apply for dormouse mitigation licences.

Cost £180.00

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

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

05/10/2026 • 2 Days

Bats and roost risk management in construction

Online via Zoom
Bat Conservation Trust
020 7820 7169
training@bats.org.uk c-js.info/4qORJPc

Ready to learn how to work alongside bats in buildings? Online training for anyone responsible for buildings and their renovation/development/maintenance. This course ensures participants are aware of their responsibilities with regard to bats and are able to recognise the basic signs of potential roosts. No prior knowledge required.

Cost £105

05/10/2026 • 1 Day

Badger ecology and survey

East Devon
Richard Green Ecology
01395 239234
office@richardgreenecology.co.uk www.richardgreenecology.co.uk/training-courses/

This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills to undertake badger surveys and provide reports in accordance with best practice guidance. Attendees should be comfortable with walking outdoors on rough terrain, as the course will include a visit to a badger sett.

Cost £160.00

06/10/2026 • 1 Day

Badgers and development, licences and mitigation

East Devon
Richard Green Ecology
01395 239234
office@richardgreenecology.co.uk www.richardgreenecology.co.uk/training-courses/

This course is aimed at those who have attended our 'Badger ecology and surveying' course or have experience undertaking badger surveys and a good understanding of badger ecology. Following attendance, you will be able to design appropriate survey and mitigation strategies and apply for badger disturbance/exclusion licences.

Cost £180.00

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

12/10/2026 • 0.5 Day

Badger Ecology, Survey and Mitigation Online

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

Online course looking at the ecology, legislation, survey techniques, mitigation and management of badgers.

Cost £68

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

13/10/2026 • 1 Day

Bats and Woodland Management Course

Windsor Great Park, SL4 2HT
Bat Conservation Trust
020 7820 7169
training@bats.org.uk c-js.info/4kP4UNM

Half a day online, then spend a day with BCT's Woodland Specialist - ideal training for anyone involved in looking after a woodland.  Includes refreshments and lunch on the day as well as the foundations e-learning module which is to be completed ahead of in-person course. 13th October 2026 at Great Windsor Park - click here to book

Cost £199

23/10/2026 • 2 Days

Track and Sign certification

Forres, Moray
Dan Puplett Nature Awareness
07952 679640
dan.puplett@gmail.com c-js.info/41Tut8i

The Tracker Certification system created by CyberTracker Conservation is now the global standard for certifying trackers in the field. Anyone is welcome regardless of level of experience and it is a fantastic opportunity to test your skills while learning a huge amount in a fun and supportive environment!

Cost £220

29/10/2026 • 1 Day

Skull & Bone Identification

Dorenell Visitor Centre, Lower Cabrach AB54 4EL
SCRA Grampian
07971 383606
stephen.reeves@edf-power.com c-js.info/473VY2j

Animal skulls and other bones can teach us a huge amount about wildlife. In this workshop you will learn how to recognise the skulls and other bones of a range of species as well as how to identify which part of the body different bones belong to.

30/10/2026 • 1 Day

Beaver ecology and field signs

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

Explore the world of European beavers in the UK and put into practice what you have learned in an outdoor beaver survey

Cost £42.50

02/11/2026 • 2 Days

Bats for heritage professionals

Online via Zoom
Bat Conservation Trust
020 7820 7169
training@bats.org.uk c-js.info/4qnZ8VT

Ready to learn how to work alongside bats in heritage buildings? Online training for anyone responsible for heritage buildings and their renovation/development/maintenance. This course ensures participants are aware of their responsibilities with regard to bats and are able to recognise the basic signs of potential roosts. No prior knowledge required.

Cost £105

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

16/11/2026 • 0.5 Day

Dormouse Ecology, Survey and Habitat Management Online

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

Online course looking at the ecology, legislation, survey techniques, mitigation and management of Dormice

Cost £68

27/11/2026 • 1 Day

Beaver ecology and field signs

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

Explore the world of European beavers in the UK and put into practice what you have learned in an outdoor beaver survey

Cost £42.50

07/12/2026 • 2 Days

Bats for roofers

Online via Zoom
Bat Conservation Trust
020 7820 7169
training@bats.org.uk c-js.info/4r0hA78

Ready to learn how to work alongside bats in buildings? Online training for roofers and anyone responsible for buildings and their renovation/development/maintenance. This course ensures participants are aware of their responsibilities with regard to bats and are able to recognise the basic signs of potential roosts. No prior knowledge required.

Cost £105

17/12/2026 • 1 Day

Hibernating Bats in the UK

East Devon
Richard Green Ecology
01395 239234
office@richardgreenecology.co.uk www.richardgreenecology.co.uk/training-courses/

This course explores hibernating bats in the UK, including why and where they hibernate, covering 'classic' and 'non-classic' sites, threats, conservation, and survey requirements. It includes practical training through a field visit to observe hibernating bat species and combines classroom learning with fieldwork led by an expert bat ecologist.

Cost £275.00

Various • Various Days

Wildlife Tracking Workshops & Evaluations

South Downs National Park
John Rhyder
07795312424
info@woodcraftschool.co.uk c-js.info/3ROrR5F

Track & Sign & Trailing workshops, courses and evaluations. Run by John Rhyder senior tracker and evaluator with CyberTracker conservation international.

Contact For Details

Conservation Dog Team Consultancy

Wrexham
Conservation K9 Consultancy
07746410976
Info@conservationk9consultancy.com c-js.info/455fqKJ

These one-hour online consultancy sessions from Conservation K9 Consultancy provide an ideal starting point for anyone interested in conservation detection dogs, from curious beginners to developing handlers. Ask questions about the sector, explore career opportunities, and receive tailored guidance on training plans and step-by-step career action planning.

Contact For Details • 5 Days

UKRS Conservation Dog Handler Foundation Skills

Erddig Wrexham
Conservation K9 Consultancy
07746410976
Info@conservationk9consultancy.com c-js.info/455fqKJ

This practical skills course introduces conservation detection dog handling for wildlife and habitat protection. Designed for those working or aspiring to work in conservation, ecology, and land management, the course covers core handler skills, scent detection principles, dog welfare, and practical field applications, offering an introduction to conservation dog work.

Various

OpenLearn's Nature & Environment Hub

Online
The Open University
c-js.info/3ExCtnw

The OpenLearn 'Nature & Environment' home page is The Open University's go-to hub for hundreds of articles, free courses, videos, podcasts and activities at levels from beginner to advanced.

Free Course

Various

Animal Behaviour

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

Animal behaviour is a fascinating and important field of biology. Explore the diverse applications of animal behavior ranging from dog training and farm animal management to wildlife conservation and ecological research. Understanding animal behaviour is essential for anyone passionate about working with animals in any setting

Cost £120

Various

Dormice and Developments

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

This course teaches you about dormouse ecology and how developments impact and are impacted by the presence of Dormice. We will look at the laws that protect dormice and the mitigation techniques we can use to ensure developments are carried out lawfully and in a way that keeps dormice safe.

Cost £190

Various

Dormouse Ecology and Surveying

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

Dormouse Ecology and Surveying is an introductory-level, self-study course that will provide a useful first step towards gaining your dormouse handling licence. This course will give you a thorough understanding of Dormouse ecology and the techniques used to survey them.

Cost £105

Various

Surveying Trees for Bats

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

Surveying Trees for Bats is a self-study course designed for consultant ecologists and arboriculturalists. It will raise awareness and provide you with new skills for assessing trees for bats.

Cost £95

Various

Bat Ecology and Surveying

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

Bat Ecology and surveying is perfect for anyone wishing to know more about bats, or anyone starting to work towards their bat licence. This is a comprehensive self-study course that will give you an overview of the ecology of bats, the legislation surrounding them and how to survey them both in buildings and in the landscape.

Cost £210

Various

Bat Activity Surveys: Emergence and Transects

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

This comprehensive course is designed to guide you through conducting bat activity surveys, including transect and emergence surveys. You?ll learn essential principles, survey timings and durations, how to plan and execute your survey, the equipment required, and how to accurately record your findings.

Cost £95

Various • 0.5 Day

Beaver Ecology and Surveying

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

Course covers ecology, surveying and field signs. Includes a video of a field visit to carry out a survey.

Cost £105

Contact For Details

Protected Species Observer (PSO)

Online
Carolyn Barton MMO Training
01381 610261
info@carolynbarton.co.uk c-js.info/4kldzaF

NMFS-accepted PSO course, self-navigated online at your own pace. This course teaches the mitigation requirements for offshore industries in the US Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico and the role of the PSO, including US legislation, visual monitoring, species identification, and working as a PSO. Student/recent graduate 10% discount.

Cost £180

Contact For Details

JNCC Marine Mammal Observer (MMO)

Online
Carolyn Barton MMO Training
01381 610261
info@carolynbarton.co.uk c-js.info/4kldzaF

JNCC-recognised MMO course, self-navigated online at your own pace. This course teaches the mitigation requirements of the JNCC guidelines for offshore industries and the role of the MMO, including visual monitoring, species identification, data recording and reporting and the practicalities of working as an MMO. Student/recent graduate 10% discount.

Cost £150

Contact For Details

Trophy Evaluation Masterclass

Available throught the UK
Shooting & Hunting Academy
0203 9810159
Info@shootingandhuntingacademy.co.uk c-js.info/40nExq4

Online Course by Experienced measurer, top taxidermist and leading collector of trophies Tom Douglas, teaches you how to instantly recognise quality in the field and how to evaluate and measure the various characteristics of all six of the UK's deer species.

Cost £35

Various • 0.5 Day

Otter Ecology and Surveying

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

Course covers ecology, surveying and field signs. Includes a video of a field visit to carry out a survey.

Cost £105

Various • 1 Day

Grey Squirrel Management Training

Various
British Red Squirrel
contact@britishredsquirrel.org

A comprehensive, Lantra accredited, Grey Squirrel Management Training Course for any level of experience. The one-day course has been developed by a partnership of the major players within the Squirrel World, and is designed to be flexible, allowing provision right across the British Isles. Cost varies depending on location.

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

Mammal ID

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

A 3 module online course covering all species of UK land mammals (excluding bats). Useful tips on identifying the animals and their burrow, tracks and signs.  Study in your own time.

Various

Architectural Terms for Bat Workers

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

A 3 module online course covering a wide range of architectural terms useful for ecologists and bat workers in particular. Self study in your own time.

Various • 0.5 Day

Bats: Health and Safety Awareness for Bat Workers

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

Course covers health and safety issues relevant to bat workers including working at height, in confined spaces, asbestos and lone working.

Cost £55

Various • 0.5 Day

Bats: Surveying Trees for Bats

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

Course covers information about how bats use trees, what features are important for them, how to survey trees and legislation and licensing.

Cost £95

Various • 0.5 Day

Bats: Architectural Terms for Batworkers

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

Course covers a wide range of architectural terms for bat workers to ensure they can properly describe buildings for their surveys and reports.

Cost £55

Various • 0.5 Day

Bats: Legislation for Bat Workers

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

Course covers essential information on legislation relating to bats including relevant legislation, licencing and applying the law in our bat work.

Cost £95

Various • 0.5 Day

Bats: Surveying Buildings for Bats

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

Course covers how to survey buildings for bats and includes signs, types of roosts, roosting areas in buildings, health and safety and a video of a field visit to survey buildings.

Cost £95

Various • 0.5 Day

Badger Ecology and Surveying

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

Course covers ecology, surveying and field signs. Includes a video of a field visit to carry out a survey and some trail cam footage.

Cost £105

Various

Bat Workers: Health and Safety, A Wildcare Video Series - Keeping You Safe

Nationwide
Ecology Academy
01453 367450
hello@ecologyacademy.co.uk c-js.info/3R7AwPc

Bat worker health and safety videos produced by Wildcare. A series of seven support videos for bat workers. Supporting you, so you can support the environment.

Free Course

Various

Bat Roost Survey Fundamentals

Nationwide
Ecology Academy
01453 367450
hello@ecologyacademy.co.uk c-js.info/3clOgHe

Learn about surveying buildings, trees and other structures for a range of bat roost features, with confidence. With the acquired knowledge you will be able to assess and categorise their suitability and provide simple advice.

Cost £76

Various

A Simple Guide to Bat Echolocation Calls

Nationwide
Ecology Academy
01453 367450
hello@ecologyacademy.co.uk c-js.info/3TelTLV

A FREE mini course to explain in a little more detail how to get the best from our download and guide to the echolocation calls of British Bats.

Free Course

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