Discovering Wildlife Tracks and Signs

Wildlife tracking is an ancient science and art and one that humans once relied upon for survival. Tracking involves a range of skills. These include identifying the animal that left the clue, working out what it was doing and when, and also finding the animal itself.

Tracking is a great way for nature enthusiasts and early conservationists to hone their ability to observe details around them and to build their knowledge of wildlife, specifically their movement and feeding ecology.

This introductory course is a great place to start for those looking to improve their ability to identify a range of wildlife tracks and signs. You will learn skills to confidently identify a variety of mammal and bird activity including the physical appearance and ID features of tracks, feeding signs, homes, and droppings. We will explore the outdoors to put find and discuss examples of tracks and signs, leaving you with a solid introduction to the world of tracking. Be inspired and engaged by the expertise of our specialist tutor and enjoy being surrounded by like-minded individuals who share your interests.

If you would like to book accommodation, lunch and an evening meal at FSC Rhyd-y-Creuau, please email [email protected]
The centre is set in the beautiful, rugged landscape of the Snowdonia National Park, North Wales – with access to secluded wooded valleys, rocky shores, beaches and traditional seaside resorts.

If you’re interested in finding out more about the variety of tracks and signs and how they can be applied to our understanding, then this is the course for you!

Who Should Attend?

Nature enthusiasts, Students, Early career ecologists, Citizen scientists, Volunteer surveyors

Knowledge Level

Introductory. Level descriptors can be found on the following webpage: Framework and Course Level Descriptors

Prior Knowledge

No prior knowledge is required, though those with previous experience would still benefit as the tutor is open to answering a range of questions at different levels.

What will be covered during this course?

• • Introduction to mammal and bird foot morphology, how that relates to the tracks we find in the field and helps us identify the trackmaker.
  • Introduction to commonly found wildlife signs, how to identify these and what they tell us about the animals that left them.
  • An overview of some of the key techniques for identifying and interpreting tracks and signs including master listing.

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• • Describe the basic types of tracks and signs and identify key features
  • Identify examples of specific animals from their tracks and signs
  • Recognise a variety of tracks and signs in their natural environments and what they mean
  • Share this knowledge with friends, family, and fellow volunteers.

This is a place-based training course from the FSC, including a balance of classroom-led learning to impart important knowledge and irreplaceable hands-on outdoor learning opportunities to give individuals skills and confidence. After attending this course, you may like to progress your learning within wildlife tracking with further relevant FSC courses or branch out into other areas of environmental skills. The FSC offers both online and in person courses, so you can choose the learning style that suits you best.

The course gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in a new subject and acquire novel skills. Our fantastic tutor will combine the use of classroom-led learning and outside learning opportunities to give individuals the skills and confidence to learn more about wildlife tracking.

• • See the ‘Example Timetable’ and ‘What’s Included’ sections below for more information about this course.
  • Upon booking you will need to provide individual details of all attendees
  • Please email [email protected] if you have any questions.

Group Bookings Made Easy

If you have a group of 10 or more individuals wanting to complete one of our courses, our team are available to discuss your options – from discounts to private team courses.

• • Discounted rates
  • Privately run courses for your group
  • Bespoke courses developed specifically for your needs

Click here to find out more!

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