My Courses

A range of one day and term long courses, all designed to increase confidence in wildlife identification and an understanding of ecology, habitats and site management.

One day courses

Winter Tree ID

Large oak tree in winter at Chatsworth with a person standing underneath.

A one day course looking at the identification of local, native British trees in winter. You will learn how to identify them using a range of features such as tree shape and structure, bark, twigs, and buds. You'll also be introduced to the use of keys to aid identification.

Summer Tree ID

Large oak tree in summer on a sunny day

A one day course looking at identifying different tree species in summer. We will look at features of trees, including leaves, which help distinguish between different tree species using simple botanical keys to help in identification. The course will also look at correctly identifying easily misidentified pairs such as ash and rowan and elm and hazel.

An Introduction to British Land Mammals

 Some red deer grazing in parkland in autumn.

This one day course looks at identifying mammals that have been recorded in Derbyshire. We will look the different families of mammals and how identify different species by sight as well as how to distinguish between them including those commonly misidentified such as stoat and weasel. We will also briefly look at how to identify the presence of different mammals by the clues they leave behind.

Mammal Signs

Molehills in a field with a little snow on the ground

Mammals are rarely seen in the field. This one day course will focus on the clues that mammals leave behind, giving you confidence to note their presence on a site or in your garden. We will be looking at nests and homes, tracks, droppings, hairs and bones. You will also discover which field signs are most useful for different species.

Woodlands and Woodland Management

Woodland in winter with many leaves on the ground

This one day course is a basic introduction to woodland ecology and woodland management. It will provide volunteers and community groups an understanding of the theory of woodland management, including an appreciation of the different types of woodland, recognising features of ancient woodland and understanding different strategies of woodland management.

Grasslands and Grassland Management

A wildflower meadow in early summer with many flowers in bloom

This one day course is a basic introduction to grasslands, grassland ecology and grassland management. It will provide volunteers and community groups with an understanding of the theory of grassland management, including an appreciation of the different types of grasslands, recognising key grassland indicators and understanding different strategies for grassland management.

Wetlands and Wetland Management

A mute swan on water with some cygnets

This one day course is a basic introduction to wetlands, wetland ecology and wetland management. It will provide volunteers and community groups with an understanding of the theory of wetland management, including an appreciation of the different types of wetlands, recognising key wetland plants and understanding different management strategies for wetland habitats, especially ponds.

An Introduction to Grasses

A close up photo of sweet vernal grass

Grasses are a fundamental group of plants and are key indicators of geology, type of grassland and management. This one day basic course will enable you to identify a range of grasses, using simple keys and basic plant terminology.

Beginners Guide to Botany

A close up photo of the plant dropwort in flower

Learn how to identify plants by looking at their botany and using simple botanical keys to aid identification. The course comprises a classroom session and a local field visit.

Term long courses:

Nature's Signs of Spring

Frog looking out of a garden pond

After surviving the cold winter period, wildlife come alive in the spring. Join this course to discover nature's signs of spring. We will be looking at amphibians, trees and birds as they prepare for the flowering and mating season.

Nature's Signs of Autumn

Hedgerow in autumn laden with red berries

Autumn is a fascinating time of year to watch wildlife. In this course you will look at seasonal topics such as hibernation and migration as well as hedgerow fruits and nuts and fungi.

Wildlife on Your Doorstep (can be run over 5 - 8 weeks)

Gatekeeper butterfly on bramble leaves

Nottinghamshire/Derbyshire has some fascinating wildlife. This course look at those special habitats and some of the species they support. You will discover why habitats have developed the way they have, and why they need to be managed to keep them special for species to live in. We will look at woodlands, grasslands, wetlands, heathlands and urban habitats including gardens. The course will include one field visit to a nearby site. Suitable for beginners.

Wildflowers

Close up photo of bluebells in flower

Learn to identify the delightfully varied wild flowers of the area and find out about their folklore and role in herbal remedies. The first two sessions will be indoors, the rest being outdoors on sites looking at different wildflowers as the season progresses