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 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:
- via email to courses@hwt.org.uk
- by post or in person (our address)
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.
Between the Tides
A five week course guiding you through the amazing variety and adaptations of life on our local beaches, cliffs and mudflats. Cost £35.
Week 1: Introduction and seascape of the Solent
Week 2: Life on the upper shore - visit and workshop
Week 3: Life above the tide on shingle shores
Week 4: Deep down and into the ocean - workshop
Week 5: Our estuaries and mud flats – visit to Hamble River
Wednesdays 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 October, 2-4pm with Richard Headley.
Meet and park at St Faiths Hall, Lee on Solent, PO13 9NF (Map ref. SU 561 009).
Furry Moments – all about small mammals
Spend the morning with us learning about small mammals, how to identify them and where they live. Help us open the mammal traps and see what we have caught. We shall also spend some time in the classroom learning their identification features. Cost £10.
Sunday 5 October, 9am–12noon with Simon Curson.
Meet and park at Blashford Lakes Centre, Ellingham Drove, near Ringwood, BH24 3PJ (Map ref. SU 151 079).
Forest Skills Level 1
For anyone 16 years+ who would like to develop their skills working with children in the outdoor environment. This OCN Accredited Level 1 course is an introduction to the Forest School approach to working in the outdoors with children and young people. The 3 day training comprises an exciting combination of practical and theory, covering Health and Safety in the outdoors; working in woodlands; child development and learning. Practical assessments will take place during the training. Students are then expected to work on the coursework as part of their home study. Cost £275.
Monday–Wednesday 6, 7 and 8 October, 9am–5pm with Simon Shakespeare of Forest School Training Co.
Meet and park at Blashford Lakes Centre, Ellingham Drove, near Ringwood, BH24 3PJ (Map ref. SU 151 079).
Wet and Dry -Test Valley Woodlands
An unusual and fascinating study of contrasting woodlands over 3 weeks in autumn. Starting with the wet woodland on the banks of the Test at Wherwell Primary School, you will then visit Harewood for ancient and conifer woodlands. You will learn what happens to a woodland in winter, the role of fungi, hibernation, tree identification and some of the features of ancient woodland, such as boundary banks, old pollards and coppice stools, to give us clues about the past management. Cost £30.
Tuesday 7 October, 3.30-5.30pm at Wherwell Primary School, SP11 7JP (Map ref. SU 404 415) and Tuesdays 14 and 21 October, 10am-12noon at Harewood Forest, (Map ref. SU 372 421) with Susan Simmonds.
Know your Native Small Mammals
Can you tell a mouse from a vole? What is so special about dormice? Do owls eat shrews? Over 3 days, you will have a unique opportunity to get to know the different mice, voles and shrews, how and where they live, the difficulties they face and how we can help. The course will include trapping and survey methods, identifying who has nibbled the nuts and what an owl had for dinner. Cost £30.
Friday 10 October, 5-8pm, Saturday 11 October, 7-10am, Sunday 12 October 10am-1pm with an expert member of the Hampshire Mammal Group, Ian White.
Meet on Friday at Sparsholt Memorial Hall, Church Lane (Map ref. SU 435 312) and outside in local woodland on other days.
Leading Earthwalks – Inspiring activities for teachers/group leaders
For those who work with children in the environment: come and be inspired by Jon Cree, one of the top trainers in this field. Learn new creative and stimulating activities to use with groups of primary age children in woodland and meadows. Cost £75, including lunch.
Tuesday 21 October, 9am-5pm with Jon Cree.
Meet and park at Testwood Lakes Centre, off Brunel Road, Calmore Industrial Estate, Totton, SO40 3XP (Map ref. SU 348158).
Know your Fungi
If you are fascinated by the variety of fungi each autumn and would like to be better at identifying them, this course is for you. Spread over 2 weeks, there will be time to learn and practice the techniques to tell the groups and species apart under the tuition of local expert Phil Budd.
You are likely to go out and look for fungi on the reserve both days whatever the weather. Please bring any fungi guides and magnifying lenses you have, and suitable outdoor clothing. Cost £30.
Sundays 2 and 9 November, 9.30am-12.30pm with Phil Budd.
Meet and park at Swanwick Lakes Centre, off Sopwith Way, Swanwick, SO31 7AY (Map ref. SU 893 549).
