We will train volunteers in safe working using the tools we have, both hand tools and power tools such as brush cutters and the two wheeled tractor. For more advanced training, see below.
Identification training
The Field Studies Council runs a wide variety of residential courses, usually three to five days long, concentrating on particular plant and animal groups
The Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management runs a wide variety of courses on identification, QGIS and surveying from one to two or three days long.
The Countryside Jobs Service runs a wide variety of courses on identification and surveying from one to ten days long.
The Species Recovery Trust runs a wide variety of courses on identification and surveying from one to ten days long. They also have courses on site management – see below.
The British Entomological and Natural History Society runs workshops on specific insect groups at the Natural History Museum in London and at their centre at Dinton Pastures, Reading
The Biological Recording Company runs a large number of on-line identification courses.
Site management ‐ theory and practice
It is difficult to find training in how to manage sites to optimize biodiversity. Here’s what we’ve found:
Ecology Training UK offers both on-line and face to face training in surveying and site management. In particular they are offering an on line course in Woodland Management for Biodiversity.
The Field Studies Council does run relevant residential courses. As of August 2026 they are advertising courses on habitat surveys, biological recording and QGIS mapping software but they have in the past run a course on management of ancient woodlands so they may well run management courses in the future.
The Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management does advertise a few courses on management but very specific – as of August 2026 they included “Beaver Survey Methods and Management” and “Working with Crayfish: Survey Methods, Ecology, Mitigation, Licensing and Invasive Species”.