Current courses

This range of short courses is led by enthusiastic experts keen to share their knowledge and help others discover the magic that comes from observing and gaining an insight into our wildlife.
All the courses are designed to give participants hands-on learning experiences, to develop new skills and to help them use those skills to make a difference for the benefit of wildlife.

All courses have limited numbers and must be booked and paid for at least 2 weeks in advance to secure your place.

Bookings

Bookings can be made ONLINE by clicking on the courses below, by phoning 01489 774 400 between 9am-5pm, Mon-Fri or by completing a booking form and returning it via email to courses@hwt.org.uk by post or in person.

Please note some events/courses may be filmed and photographed for Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust's publicity and fundraising purposes.
If you have any concerns, please speak to a member of staff.

Our Current Courses

The following training courses and activities are available over the next few months. All of these courses include some time outside so please ensure you wear appropriate clothing and footwear.
Click on the course to book online.

Fire Laying and Lighting techniques - 25 May

Testwood Lakes, Totton

Suitable for adults who work with children.
A day focussing and honing fire lighting skills with bushcraft instructor Jamie Corry. Learn about and gain experience with different aspects of fire lighting including: all 6 ignition methods; good fire sites and their proper preparation; tinder, kindling and fuel collection; different fire lays (V, criss cross, star and long log) and their application; fire establishment using brash piles and feather sticks; and successfully using the bow drill with children, young people and other groups. Cost £25
Wildflowers of the Hamble Valley - 29 May, 5, 12 & 19 June

Swanwick Lakes, Warsash, Bishops Waltham

Join Phil Budd to learn how to identify flowers in the Hamble valley area. A series of four evening dates visiting different habitats, each timed to coincide with prime flowering times. By the end of the course you should be familiar with a good range of the commoner species of Hampshire and also some rare ones. The course is suitable for beginners and also those wishing to refresh their knowledge of wild flowers. We will not be looking at ferns, sedges or grasses.
The first date is classroom theory with a little fieldwork outside and the other dates are spent entirely outdoors, with short walks of 1-2km. Bring notebook and pen, x 10 lens and flower identification book, if you have them. Binoculars might also be useful. Stout footwear recommended. Cost £40.
Game Preparation and Outdoor Cooking - 8 or 9 June

Herriard, south Basingstoke and Testwood Lakes, Totton

Gain practical outdoor experience in preparing small game (trout, pigeons, squirrels and rabbits) and use various techniques to cook the meat including: planking; broiling; hangi and spit roast. Cost £30, includes the game you can prepare for your lunch!
Wildflowers of the Test Valley - 13, 20 & 27 June

Stockbridge and Chilbolton

Join Susan Simmonds on this three week course discovering wildflowers, suitable for beginners. We make the most of the light summer evenings, exploring Stockbridge Down, Chilbolton common and West Down. By the end of the course you should be familiar with a wide range of common wildflowers and some of the orchids typical in this area and be able to use a key to identify them. Cost £25
Shelter building - 15 or 16 June

Herriard, south Basingstoke and Swanwick Lakes, Fareham

Suitable for adults who work with young people. Learn and practice a range of shelter building techniques with both natural and manmade materials.
Natural: Make 1, 2 and group leaf mould shelters; and lean-to shelters with natural cordage.
Manmade: Compare and contrast different sleeping systems; learn different knots (falconers hitch; tarp taut hitch; sliding tension knot; and timber hitch); look at different materials; and get creative with tarps/bashers/hoochis. Cost £25
Get to know our Invertebrates - 18 Apr, 16 May, 20 Jun, 18 July

Blashford Lakes, Ringwood

Join our knowledgeable Blashford Lakes nature reserve manager Bob Chapman on the third Wednesday of each month from April to July inclusive, to learn about our fascinating native invertebrates.
Each of the 4 days will have some time indoors and some outside, each month majoring on a different group(s) but with a general look as well. You will also look at techniques for finding invertebrates and identification, photography for ID, recording and habitats.
You can expect to check out the contents of the moth trap each time. Weather conditions will affect what is out and about and the techniques to use. You will have the opportunity to practice using keys to identify invertebrates on every session.
Wed 18 April, 10am -4pm. General introduction to groups, resources and techniques. Look at moth trap, caterpillar hunt, Carabid beetles etc. woodland edge habitats. This session cancelled 12/4/12.
Wed 16 May, 10am -4pm. Flies, wetland habitats, molluscs
Wed 20 June, 10am -4pm. Grasslands, Hemiptera, more beetles, butterflies etc.
Wed 18 July, 10am -4pm. Odonata, Orthoptera plus all the others. Lichen heath, spiders, ants etc.
Tea and coffee will be available; please bring a packed lunch and suitable outdoor clothing. Maximum 12 participants. We expect this unusual course to be very popular, so please book early to avoid disappointment. Cost £30 per day.
Water for survival - 22 or 23 June

Herriard, south Basingstoke and Swanwick Lakes, Fareham

The most critical for outdoor living? Learn the importance of water and learn fun techniques to spot the signs of dehydration.
In small groups you will be given the challenge of collecting as much water as possible using different techniques (solar stills; transpiration bags) and then share benefits and pitfalls.
We will also look at water indicators (both animals and plants); digging gypsy wells; natural and manmade filtering systems; and methods of purification. Cost £25
Digital Wildlife Photography - 23 & 30 June, 7, 14 July

Blashford Lakes, Ringwood

Get the most out of your digital SLR camera or ‘Bridge’ camera. (NB.Not suitable for compact cameras.) Join John Combes, experienced photographer and lecturer, to learn about the equipment and techniques used by nature photographers. Then try out your own equipment and interests in the natural world, with special emphasis on making the most of photographic opportunities on Blashford Lakes nature reserve. Expect to be indoors in the morning and outdoors after lunch, followed by a review of your afternoon experiments. Please bring a tripod or other camera support if available. Bring own lunch, tea/coffees provided. £35 per session.
We recommend that you attend both parts of the Basic techniques.
23 June: Basics Part 1 (Now full. )
30 June: Basics Part 2 (Now full.)
7 July: Photographing Birds (1 place left @ 20 Apr)
14 July: Macro techniques (2 places left @ 20 Apr)
Wildflower Identification for Improvers - 11, 18 & 25 July

Broughton Down Nature Reserve, Stockbridge

Join Susan Simmonds on our Broughton Down Nature Reserve, near Stockbridge, to improve your wildflower identification skills. This course is aimed at those who know the basics. You may be able to recognise an orchid or know that a plant belongs to the pea family for example and maybe a vetch, but have you ever looked at the detail and attempted to tell one vetch from another? We will consider location and habitat and look at plant characteristics to identify a range of plants on this wonderful site. Cost £30
Creating a Wildlife Garden, Sun 15 July

Testwood Lakes Centre

Join us for a day of informative workshops run by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust staff. You will be introduced to the main concepts of wildlife gardening and demonstrate the features and plants that you can add to your own garden to transform it into a haven for local birds, butterflies, hedgehogs, frogs and a range of other wonderful wildlife. There will be four 1-hour workshops to choose from as well as a chance to view the gardens and get advice from Wildlife Trust staff.
Cost: £5 per workshop (Includes refreshments, wildlife gardening pack and wildflower seeds)
Garden Design with Wildlife in Mind, Sat August 11

Testwood Lakes, Totton

Take advantage of this brilliant workshop led by Elaine Hughes, landscape designer and former ‘Expert Gardener’ for London Wildlife Trust. A combination of presentations and practical exercises to help you plan your garden with sustainable and wildlife friendly methods and features. The course will cover basic principles of wildlife gardening, garden assessment, principles of design, features, materials and planting schemes. There will be handouts, plenty of opportunity for questions and a range of wildlife friendly plants and resources for sale.
Tea and coffee provided, bring your own lunch. Cost £40
Weekend Bushcraft, Sat 18 -Sun 19 August.

Roydon Woods, New Forest

Join Qualified NCFE Bushcraft Instructor Jamie Corry on a two day, one night introduction to Bushcraft course, deep in the heart of the New Forest.
Arriving on the Saturday mid-morning and finishing mid afternoon on the Sunday, you will learn and practice: fire lighting techniques; cordage making; how to identify edible and medicinal woodland plants; meat preparation and outdoor cooking; knife safety, sharpening and good use; and both manmade and natural shelter building techniques.
The course takes place in Roydon Woods. There is very limited parking (Map ref. SU 307 004) and there will be a pick up from Brockenhurst train station. Numbers are limited to 8 adults, minimum age18. A kit list will be given out with confirmation of booking, but tools and equipment will be provided and some will be available to purchase on the day. You are welcome to try out your shelter but sleeping in your own tent is absolutely fine. Lunch will be needed on the first day but all food and drink will be provided thereafter.
10am Sat 18 Aug to 3pm Sun 19 Aug. £85.
Forest School Taster, Tuesdays evenings Sept 11, 18 and 25, 4.30 – 7pm

Herriard, south of Basingstoke

The aim of the sessions is to provide attendees with a Forest School style experience, share example activities and to introduce to the ethos and benefits of Forest School. We will also look at the approach to risk that is an integral part of the process. Participants will take home something unique they have created and an information pack containing further activity ideas and information about development and training opportunities. Outdoor clothing and footwear essential (we can provide some spare waterproofs and waterproof trousers). Cost £40.
Experienced leaders from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust will guide discussion, interactive and practical activities in a classic woodland setting. By the end of the course you will have a real flavour of what Forest School is and can be:
      A learning programme that takes place in an outdoor classroom, where young people are given access to learning throughout the seasons.
      Combining practical skills and activities with techniques to encourage independence, raise self confidence and self esteem and manage behaviour.
      The same group of children attend six or more sessions, usually at weekly intervals, of about two hours duration, so that they build up their skills over time.
      Its cross-curricular approach incorporates art, maths, science, SEAL, literacy and almost anything! It can be very effective for those with additional needs.
      Sessions are essentially child led. This means that as well as having the option to take part in the planned activities, children are able to explore and discover at their own pace. Planning includes an awareness of learning styles and schemas and leaders tailor the session to the location and individuals taking part.
      Activities include using tools to make things from wood, using natural materials to make shelters or art work, lighting fires and cooking food and exploring the habitat through minibeast safaris or sensory games.
For further information please call Education Officer, Adrian Goodhand, adrianh@hwt.org.uk , 01256 381103
Seashore Palette, Sat 15 September

Swanwick Lakes Education Centre

The seashore provides a wonderful array of subjects for the natural history artist to portray in a variety of colours.
During this workshop students will have the opportunity to use photographic reference material and natural objects to compose a picture using graphite pencil, watercolour paints and / or colour pencils (not watercolour pencils) with guidance from natural history and botanical artist Sarah Morrish.
Tea/coffees provided, bring own lunch. Cost £30
Saturday 15 September, 10am – 4pm .
Digital Wildlife Photography, 15, 22 and 29 Sept

Blashford Lakes Education Centre

For DSLR, 'Bridge' and Compact cameras that include some manual control.
Get the most out of your digital camera. Join John Combes, experienced photographer and lecturer, to learn about the equipment and techniques used by nature photographers. Then try out your own equipment and interests in the natural world, with special emphasis on making the most of photographic opportunities on Blashford Lakes nature reserve. Expect to be indoors in the morning and outdoors after lunch, followed by a review of your afternoon experiments. Please bring a tripod or other camera support if available. Tea/coffees provided, bring own lunch. £35 per session
Saturday 15 September, 10am – 4-pm. Basics 1 (Exposure, focal length, camera settings)
Saturday 22 September, 10am – 4pm. Basics 2 (Depth of field, white balance, noise, processing, composition)
Saturday 29 September, 10am - 4pm. Macro techniques
Creating a Wildlife Garden, Fri Sept 28

Testwood Lakes, Totton

Join us for an informative day-long workshop run by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust staff. You will be introduced to the main concepts of wildlife gardening and demonstrate the features and plants you can add to your own garden to transform it into a haven for local birds, butterflies, hedgehogs, frogs and a range of other wonderful wildlife.
There will be a mix of presentations and practical activities, along with a chance to view the gardens, get advice from Wildlife Trust staff and buy plants. Topic covered will include: Principles of wildlife gardening, wildlife friendly planting, creating & maintaining a wildlife pond, nestboxes, feeders & bug hotels.
Tea and coffee provided, please bring your own lunch. Cost £20
Forest School Taster, Saturday 6 October, 10am -4pm

Herriard, south of Basingstoke

The aim of the session is to provide attendees with a Forest School style experience, share example activities and to introduce to the ethos and benefits of Forest School. We will also look at the approach to risk that is an integral part of the process. Participants will take home something unique they have created and an information pack containing further activity ideas and information about development and training opportunities. Outdoor clothing and footwear essential (we can provide some spare waterproofs and waterproof trousers). Cost £40.
Experienced leaders from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust will guide discussion, interactive and practical activities in a classic woodland setting. By the end of the day you will have a real flavour of what Forest School is and can be:
      A learning programme that takes place in an outdoor classroom, where young people are given access to learning throughout the seasons.
      Combining practical skills and activities with techniques to encourage independence, raise self confidence and self esteem and manage behaviour.
      The same group of children attend six or more sessions, usually at weekly intervals, of about two hours duration, so that they build up their skills over time.
      Its cross-curricular approach incorporates art, maths, science, SEAL, literacy and almost anything! It can be very effective for those with additional needs.
      Sessions are essentially child led. This means that as well as having the option to take part in the planned activities, children are able to explore and discover at their own pace. Planning includes an awareness of learning styles and schemas and leaders tailor the session to the location and individuals taking part.
      Activities include using tools to make things from wood, using natural materials to make shelters or art work, lighting fires and cooking food and exploring the habitat through minibeast safaris or sensory games.
  For further information please call Education Officer, Adrian Goodhand, adrianh@hwt.org.uk , 01256 381103
Weekend Bushcraft Course, 13 -14 Oct

Roydon Woods Nature Reserve, Brockenhurst

Join Qualified NCFE Bushcraft Instructor Jamie Corry on a two day, one night introduction to Bushcraft course, deep in the heart of the New Forest.
Arriving on the Saturday mid-morning and finishing mid afternoon on the Sunday, you will learn and practice: fire lighting techniques; cordage making; how to identify edible and medicinal woodland plants; meat preparation and outdoor cooking; knife safety, sharpening and good use; and both manmade and natural shelter building techniques.
The course takes place in Roydon Woods. There is very limited parking (Map ref. SU 307 004) and there will be a pick up from Brockenhurst train station. Numbers are limited to 8 adults, minimum age18. A kit list will be given out with confirmation of booking, but tools and equipment will be provided and some will be available to purchase on the day. You are welcome to try out your shelter but sleeping in your own tent is absolutely fine. Lunch will be needed on the first day but all food and drink will be provided thereafter.
10am Saturday 13 Oct until 3pm on Sunday 14 Oct. Cost £85 per person
Fascinating Fungi, 28 Oct and 4 Nov

Swanwick Lakes

More than just a fungus foray, this course, spread over two weekends, gives you time to really get to grips with the various types of fungi and deepen your knowledge and understanding of this fascinating group. Local naturalist Phil Budd will show you how to look for and identify fungi on the Swanwick Lakes nature reserve. You will also learn about their amazing natural history. Tea/coffee and hand lenses provided. Cost £30
Sundays 28 Oct and 4 Nov, 9.30-12.30
Forest School Level 1, 7-9 Nov 2012

Testwood Lakes, Totton

This OCN /LASER accredited course is designed for those working with participants at Forest School sessions. It includes the Forest School approach to learning and development and basic practical skills. It is taught through practical activity and discussion with a short workbook to be completed. Your tutors are Wildlife Trust Education Officers who are Forest School Leaders and have experience of running Forest Schools in extensive woodland and in the confines of school grounds.
"I learned how to work with children in an effective, creative way."
"They scaffolded my learning and set me up to succeed."
"Now I will utilise the school grounds we have more for outdoor teaching of my existing curriculum."
On completion, the learner will:
- Understand the Forest school approach to learning
- Be able to participate in a Forest School experience
- Understand the impact of Forest School on the woodland environment
- Understand hazards at Forest School
3 full days: Wednesday to Friday, 7 - 9 November 2012, 10am -4pm at Testwood Lakes.
Cost £250, includes OCN/LASER student registration fee and certificate.
Please book at least 2 weeks in advance. Places are limited.
If you require an invoice please email dianas@hwt.org.uk
Drawn to Nature, 10 Nov

Swanwick Lakes Education Centre

This workshop is ideal for people who would prefer to focus on drawing rather than application of colour. Artist Sarah Morrish will provide individual and group tuition, helping students to really observe the form, tone and detail of natural objects and to portray these elements by drawing with graphite pencils.
Tea/coffees provided, bring own lunch. Cost £30
Saturday 10 November, 10am -4pm at Swanwick Lakes