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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. The courses will enable participants to become more involved through recording, surveys, volunteering, gardening for wildlife or taking their interest even further with other training opportunities.

All courses have limited numbers and must be booked and paid for at least 2 weeks in advance to secure your place. Bookings can be made by phoning 01489 774 400 between 9am-5pm, Mon-Fri or by completing a booking form and returning it:

Gift vouchers

Why not give a friend or relative a gift voucher can be redeemed against all or part of the cost of a course? 

Courses and activities available over the next few months

The Wildlife Trust offers a variety of opportunities to learn new skills throughout the year. 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.

Introduction to Digital Nature Photography - ONLY ONE PLACE LEFT

Get the most out of your digital SLR camera. Join John Combes, experienced photographer and lecturer, to learn about the equipment and techniques used by nature photographers. Later, try out your own equipment and interests in the natural world, with special emphasis on making the most of photographic opportunities on two local nature reserves. Please bring a tripod or other camera support if available. Tea and coffee are provided but please bring your own lunch.
Saturdays 4 & 11 Sept, 10am-4pm - One place left on both courses.
Basics: equipment, techniques, composition, focal lengths and practice on the wildlife reserve. Cost £60
Saturday 18 Sept, 10am-4pm - One place left.
Macro: techniques for close-up pictures of flowers, insects, fruits, fungi, etc. Cost £30. Or book all 3 sessions for £80. 
Testwood Lakes Nature Reserve.

Weekend Bushcraft Course

Join Wildlife Trust staff member Jamie Corry (Qualified NCFE Bushcraft Leadership 2009) on a two day introduction to Bushcraft course, camping in the heart of the New Forest. Over the weekend you will learn and practise fire lighting techniques, how to identify edible and medicinal woodland plants, meat preparation and outdoor cooking, cordage making, knife safety, sharpening and good use and both man made and natural shelter building techniques.  Numbers limited to 8 adults, minimum age 18. A kit list will be sent out, but tools, tents and equipment will be provided. Bring lunch for the first day, but all other food and drink will be provided.
11am Saturday 18 September until 3pm on Sunday 19 September.  Cost £85 per person.
Limited parking at Roydon Woods Nature Reserve. Pick -up available from Brockenhurst station (Map ref. SU 307 004). 

Making the most of your digital compact camera in nature photography.

With John Combes (experienced photographer and lecturer), learn the basic controls of your compact camera and understand how to improve your composition as well as recognise subjects that can be successfully photographed with a compact.
Saturday 25th Sept, 10am-4pm. Cost £30
Testwood Lakes Nature Reserve

Natural Dyeing for Families

Learn the traditional way of extracting wonderful colours from leaves, fruit and vegetables. Judy Hardman will help you to use plants and other natural materials to dye wool. You will be able to take home a sample card of your results to amaze your friends. Suitable for adults and children over 8.
Sunday 26 September, 10am-4pm. Cost  adults £20, children £10
Testwood Lakes Nature Reserve.

Knife Skills

Join Wildlife Trust staff member Jamie Corry (Qualified NCFE Bushcraft Leadership '09) on a Bushcraft day focusing on knife skills: safe use, good and bad bushcraft knives, sharpening and different cuts. We will make a progression of items from tent pegs to pot hangers. Numbers are limited to 8 adults, minimum age18.  Meeting place is at Grid Reference SU 307 004. A map will be sent out nearer the time. Refreshments, all tools and equipment will be provided but please bring a packed lunch.
Tuesday 28 September, 9.30am - 4pm.  Cost £50 per person.
Roydon Woods Nature Reserve

Creating a Nature Journal

A 4 week course with artist Sarah Morrish.  A new theme each week, covering different drawing and watercolour painting techniques within natural history illustration.  Subjects being explored include botanical subjects, fur and feathers and autumn fruit and fungi. At the end of the course you will be able to bind your illustrations together in a hand-made journal.
Saturdays 9, 16, 23 and 30 October, 10am-4pm. Cost £100 
Testwood Lakes Nature Reserve.

Know Your Mammals

Do you know your house mice from your wood mice or your roe deer from your fallow deer? Join Ian White of the People's Trust for Endangered Species on a day of identification of the small furry things you rarely see to the larger things you only ever see the back of.
Saturday 16th October, 9.30 - 3.30pm. Cost £30
Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve

Know your Fungi

Join local naturalist Phil Budd to learn about the natural history and identification of fungi on the Swanwick Lakes wildlife reserve. More than just a fungus foray, this course, spread over two weekends, gives you time to really get to grips with the various groups and deepen your knowledge and understanding of this seasonal spectacle.
Sundays 24th & 31st October, 9.30am - 12.30pm. Cost £30.
Swanwick Lakes Nature Reserve

Drawing and Painting Autumn Leaves   

A colourful and dynamic workshop with tutor Sarah Morrish.  This workshop will provide the opportunity for students to use a variety of media to create a colourful composition using autumn leaves as the subject matter.  If students wish, there will also be the chance to illustrate leaves in a detailed botanical manner.  Workshop based but there will be an opportunity to explore surrounding woodland.
Tea and coffee are provided but please bring your own lunch.
Saturday 13 November, 10am - 4pm. Cost £30.
Swanwick Lakes Nature Reserve